Watch: ‘We Have No Choice But To Fly’: MEP Calls For Better Erasmus+ Support For Malta

Maltese MEP Peter Agius is pushing for changes to the Erasmus+ programme, arguing that students from Malta face unique disadvantages that are not being adequately recognised by current EU funding rules.

Agius has tabled a series of amendments aimed at making the popular student mobility scheme fairer for participants living on islands, particularly when it comes to travel costs.

At the heart of his proposals is the fact that Maltese students have no practical alternative to air travel when participating in Erasmus+ exchanges.

While students in mainland Europe can often travel by train, bus or other lower-cost and greener transport options, Maltese participants are almost always required to fly.

According to Agius, this creates an unfair situation where students from Malta end up facing higher travel expenses while receiving reimbursement under a system largely designed around continental European realities.

He is therefore calling on the European Commission to guarantee full travel cost coverage for participants from island states and regions.

The MEP is also advocating for an expansion of mobility opportunities and additional support measures tailored specifically to island communities, arguing that geographical isolation brings extra logistical and financial challenges that should be reflected in the programme’s funding structure.

More than 5,000 Maltese students and participants benefit from Erasmus+ every year, making it one of the most popular EU-funded opportunities available to young people on the island.

Agius said the changes would help ensure that students are not disadvantaged simply because of where they live and would allow more young Maltese people to fully benefit from educational and cultural exchanges across Europe.

The proposals are expected to form part of ongoing discussions on the future development of the Erasmus+ programme.

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Gabriel Falzon

Gabriel Falzon is a social media executive at Lovin Malta, with a keen interest in digital media, local businesses, and the natural world. Outside of work, you’ll often find him baking up a storm, diving into video games, or exploring the endless corners of YouTube.