Kilcooley Women’s Centre Strengthens European Ties in Preparation for UK’s Return to Erasmus+

A small delegation from KWC has returned from a recent visit to Reus, Spain, where the team took important steps towards renewing international collaborations as the UK prepares to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in 2027.

A Warm Welcome in Reus

Hosted by Open Europe, a dynamic and experienced training organisation based in the heart of Reus (Catalonia), we spent productive days discussing the huge potential for future partnerships.  We have been fortunate to work with Open Europe and their partner organisations in Spain for many years, and have learnt so much via the Knowledge Exchanges. Open Europe has a strong track record of supporting young people and adults in European educational programmes, making them the perfect hosts for this forward-looking visit.

Our conversations focused on renewing and expanding our long-standing collaboration in time for the launch of the new Erasmus+ programme cycle in 2027. There is strong potential across Adult Education, Vocational Education and Training, and Youth mobility projects. We look forward to building meaningful opportunities for women and communities in Northern Ireland to benefit from international learning, skills development, and cultural exchange.

The Impact of Brexit on Erasmus+

For context, the UK’s departure from Erasmus+ was one of the consequences of Brexit. The UK formally left the European Union in January 2020, and participation in the programme ended in 2021 under the previous government, which cited costs and value for money as reasons for withdrawal. This decision limited opportunities for thousands of British students, educators, and young people to study, train, and gain experience across Europe.

The recent announcement by the UK Government in December 2025 marks a significant policy shift. Under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s “reset” with the EU, the UK will re-associate with Erasmus+ from 2027. This will once again open doors for UK participants to engage fully in the programme, with estimated costs offering a fair balance and substantial benefits for individuals and communities.

This is welcome news for organisations like ours that have long championed international mobility as a tool for empowerment, personal development, and breaking down barriers.

Looking Ahead: Hosting ‘Let Her In’ in June 2026

We will continue these important discussions when we host the ‘Let Her In’ international network here at Kilcooley Women’s Centre on 8–9 June 2026. This gathering will be a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with past European partners and meet new organisations eager to collaborate on mobility projects.

Through ‘Let Her In’ and future Erasmus+ initiatives, we aim to create inclusive pathways for women and young people to access transformative international experiences — whether through training, volunteering, job shadowing, or youth exchanges.

Why This Matters

At Kilcooley Women’s Centre, we believe in the power of education without borders. Rejoining Erasmus+ will help us deliver more impactful projects that support personal growth, employability, and community development. We are particularly excited about opportunities in adult and vocational learning, which align perfectly with our mission to empower women and promote lifelong learning.

Stay tuned for updates on the June event and future Erasmus+ projects. If you are an organisation interested in partnering with us, or if you’d like to get involved as a participant, please get in touch!

Follow our journey on social media and our website for more European project news.

Kilcooley Women’s Centre – Empowering Women, Building Bridges.