Launch of public vote on commemorative coin for 35th anniversary of Erasmus programme

The Commission is today launching a public vote on the six final designs for a common commemorative €2 coin to celebrate 35 years of the Erasmus+ programme in 2022.  After more than 70 coin designs were submitted for this competition, a jury selected six coins to go forward for consideration by a final public vote. The public vote will allow EU citizens to choose the design that, in their view, best represents and celebrates the success of the Erasmus project. Erasmus+ is one of the EU’s most emblematic initiatives and a real European success story. Since its inception in 1987, 10 million people have benefitted from it. The programme has expanded from mobility in education and training sectors to support youth and sport as well. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “The Erasmus+ programme has accompanied several generations since its launch in 1987, having evolved over the years both in scope and range of activities to better fit societal developments. Originally only focussed on higher education, it now includes vocational education and training, schools, adult education, youth and sport. A euro coin celebrating Erasmus is the epitome of two European policies that have contributed to the history of European integration.” Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, said: “The Erasmus+ programme encapsulates the best of the European project. For more than three decades, it has enabled young people from across our continent to study in another European country, enriching their lives as well as their CVs. It is a fitting tribute that we celebrate the success of Erasmus with a special euro coin, that other most tangible symbol of European unification. Cast your vote for your favourite coin design!”