Erasmus Programme replaced by the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007–2013 on 1 January 2007. The programme is named after the Dutch philosopher, theologian, Renaissance Humanist, monk, and devout Roman Catholic, Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, called "the crowning glory of the Christian humanists". Erasmus, along with his good friend Thomas More, became the center of European intellectual life during the Renaissance. Known for his satire, Erasmus urged internal reform of the Catholic Church. He encouraged a recovery of the Catholic Patristic tradition against contemporary abuses of the Sacraments and certain excessive devotional practices. He famously clashed with Protestant revolutionary Martin Luther on the subject
TAIEX – Sharing EU expertise TAIEX – Sharing EU expertise TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument) is an integral feature of the European Union enlargement strategy. Since 1996 TAIEX shares the expertise of EU Member State public officials with beneficiary countries to “fill the gaps” in their knowledge and understanding of EU rules and procedures through the exchange of experience and best practice – thereby fostering networks between officials in EU Member States and partner countries. TAIEX is demand-driven and delivers peer-to-peer assistance. Since 2006 it has been extended to cover the neighbourhood countries. The continued rise in demand for EU expertise demonstrates how