@ViewAhead I don't think there's a mathematical formula for quantifying the benefits to young people of the opportunity to broaden their experience, knowledge, horizons and contacts, both personal and future professional, that schemes like Erasmus offer. Maybe some bright spark will come up with one or maybe you just need to compare the outcomes of similar students in the UK and EU who have developed without and with Erasmus. Don't foget that Erasmus is one official, supported means of broadening one's life. The free movement of individuals and families in the EU for work, study and play under their own steam is also a life enhancing opportunity for those who wish to take it.
Why does it cost money, lots of it, to join a scheme that is supposed to be a two way thing? Edit sorry missed you post @ViewAhead .
If the polls do suggest that its mostly due to the hash they made of leaving and followed by the covid debarcle then the Ukraine mess. People dont feel better off because of those things, so the labour government has now using Brexit as the reason, they even tried it on their second budget, not a mention in their first budget. I dont think Europe is doing particularly well regarding growth in their economies either.
Maybe not ... but you have to factor in it is tax-payer money, so young people unable to benefit (for whatever reason) are paying for others to do so. Previous generations managed without and still became useful members of society. I'm not against it, but is it one of the more urgent burdens on the public purse?
The government keep saying we are broke and in the next step start throwing money around, none of it makes sense to me. A bloke on TV today was saying they would do better spending more on something for teenagers to do in the evenings and socially, get work experience etc.maybe cut crime to some extent, at least if they had more clubs and activities they wouldn't have the excuse of nothing to do.
On a slightly more lighter note has anyone else noticed recently the similarity in photos of Trump and the former prince Andrew ? Both frowning and looking extremely grumpy - the only difference being in the hair. Large orange halo effect as opposed to rapidly balding. Neither of whom you would wish to encounter in real life
@pete overall EU GDP grew by about 1% in 2024 so a similar performance to the UK tho Malta managed 5% and Spain over 2%. I agree that money invested in youth programmes as well as sporting and social facilities - halls, grounds, equipment, transport etc - for everyone from babies and toddlers to pensioners and all ages in between would be a better investment than trying to pick up the pieces and fix the mental, social and physical problems to individuals and their environment that can arise from people being isolated, lonely, bored, unfulfilled, frustrated which can all lead to illness, unemployment, despair and vandalism.
