1 July 2022 marks the 35th anniversary since the establishment of the EC Erasmus programme. Erasmus is one of the most popular international exchange programs in the area of ​​​​education and training. Since its inception in 1987, around 10 million inhabitants of the European Union (EU) have benefited from it.

The program covers a wide range of people and provides different learning opportunities. The program is known as Erasmus+ since 2014, and it encompasses the previous programs not only in the field of higher education but also in other education sectors (eg school, vocational and adult education, youth, sport).

The Erasmus+ program focuses on individual and group learning mobility, as well as on organizational cooperation that fosters inclusion, excellence, creativity, innovation and sustainability, with particular emphasis on social inclusion and diversity, digital transition, aspects of environmental protection and participation in democratic processes . Particular attention is given to the expanded pool of opportunities offered by the international dimension of higher education.

In 1998, when Latvia became a candidate country for joining the European Union, EU education programs became operational in Latvia.

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus programme, the EC launched a design competition for the national side of the 2 euro commemorative coin. 22 thousand votes out of around 70 thousand votes received during a public vote were cast in favor of the design created by French artist Joaquin Jimenez. This design will be featured on the national side of the 2 euro commemorative coin dedicated to the Erasmus 35th anniversary.