Erasmus+ Releases €2 Commemorative Coin to Celebrate 25 Years of Program

The European Commission (EC) has announced that a 2€ commemorative coin will be put into circulation in all 19 Eurozone countries to celebrate 35 years of the Erasmus+ program.

According to a press release issued by the EC, the commemorative has been in circulation since today (July 1, 2022), Erudera reports.

“We are pleased to announce the winning design of the public vote to celebrate 35 years of Erasmus+. The 2€ coins will be in circulation in all 19 euro area countries as of 1 July 2022,” a tweet by EU Commission reads.

Over 70,000 people participated in the selection of the design of the commemorative coin through a public vote, with 22,000 people voting for the selected design – Erasmus+, created by Joaquin Jimenez.

Joaquin Jimenez is a medalist and coin engraver at the Monnaie de Paris.

“Member States will jointly issue around 37 million Erasmus+ coins to commemorate the program and the experiences that have enriched and transformed the lives of participants,” the statement reads.

The press release further explains that commemorative coins are 2 euro coins with a particular aesthetic, issued by all member states to mark important events in the construction of Europe.

These coins have been issued by member states since 2004. The last coin was put into circulation in 2015 to mark the anniversary of the European flag.

Erasmus+ is the EU’s program which was established in 1987 to support education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. Every year, more than 300,000 people pursue studies abroad with Erasmus.  

Under Erasmus+, more than 12 million from Europe had the opportunity to stay in a European country. The program has offered the latter the opportunity to strengthen their skills and enjoy a study experience abroad.   

The estimated budget allocated for the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ is €26.2 billion, which is nearly double the funding compared to the amount allocated for the 2014-2020 program.

The 2021-2027 program focuses on social inclusion and the green and digital transitions and aims to promote the participation of youngsters in democratic life.

The program supports activities and priorities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan, and the European Skills Agenda. The 2021-2027 Erasmus+ program also supports the following:

• supports the European Pillar of Social Rights
• implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027
• develops the European dimension in sport

>> 7 Interesting Facts About Erasmus + Program, According to EU Commission

Lately, the European Commission has launched a new Erasmus+ call for proposals to test, among others, cooperation between institutions in the EU. The call has received a total budget of €2 million and is open until October 6.