I’m convinced that the Erasmus programme (and it’s not so serious counterparts such as AEGEE and IAESTE) contribute to lasting peace in Europe by marrying people between nations.
a few decades ago flying in Europe was stupidly expensive, and mostly done by national companies. It was for managers or expensive once-a-year vacations. The concept of a weekend getaway did not exist
Ryanair was the first company in Europe to be massively successful offering low cost international flights (being allowed by new regulations) and drastically changed the market.
As someone once told me 15 years ago, the EU has had two great successes: the Erasmus program, and Ryanair.