Leaders from the European Union agreed upon a common financial framework that includes funding for a new "Erasmus for all" mega-exchange programme, which combines previous exchange programmes into one new scheme. It also includes a loan guarantee scheme for Master's students.

Enrolment on online courses in Europe increased 15-20% last year, the continent's largest degree search engine, StudyPortals has estimated, suggesting interest is growing in this previously slow moving sector. The website, which has just launched its EU-funded DistanceLearning portal, added that the number of universities offering distance learning also grew to 500 – up 40%.