Headlines
FP10 NEEDS ANOTHER NEXT GENERATION EU PROGRAMME
Stakeholders are calling for a €200-220 billion budget for FP10, the next EU research programme. While increasing the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is not feasible, a successor to the Next Generation EU (NGEU), called NGEU+, could provide the necessary funding. This approach would help boost Europe’s research capabilities and strategic autonomy, though it requires convincing national leaders to support it. The research community must advocate for this investment to maintain Europe’s global competitiveness.
EURASHE activities
ATHENA PROJECT FINAL EVENT
After two years of work, ATHENA partners are ready to share the current state of Accessibility and Universal Design into Higher Education programs across four countries and the final recommendations developed within the project. The goal is to ensure the effective implementation of accessibility and universal design across disciplines of HE curricula.
Join the conversation and the networking lunch!
WEBINAR: DOCTORAL EDUCATION IN UNIVERSITIES OF APPLIED SCIENCES
The webinar discusses professional doctorates and their growing significance and impact in today’s professional landscape. Providing perspectives from the Dutch and German context, it will delve into different aspects of the topic, including the challenges/opportunities faced by professional doctoral students.
EURASHE ANNUAL CONFERENCE | “PLACE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS”
Registrations are open for our 34th Annual Conference, hosted by EURASHE Member Portalegre Polytechnic University. The conference will take place in Portugal on 14th to 15th May. Take your ticket!
Representation
EURASHE AND THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES INITIATIVE
EURASHE participated in the high-level meeting “Shaping the Future: European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe” in Brussels. This pivotal event brought together representatives from all 65 European Universities alliances, Seal of Excellence holders, Members of the European Parliament, national and regional authorities from EU countries, key higher education stakeholders, European student organizations, and private sector entrepreneurs and companies.
The European Universities Initiative is a groundbreaking effort aimed at transforming higher education across Europe. By fostering deeper cooperation between institutions, it seeks to create transnational alliances that enhance student mobility, strengthen research and innovation, and contribute to Europe’s sustainable competitiveness. These alliances play a crucial role in shaping the future of education by bridging the gap between academia, industry, and society.
EURASHE remains committed to supporting the European Universities Initiative and its vision of a cohesive and competitive European Education Area. By facilitating collaboration among applied universities, industry, and regional partners, EURASHE aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and social equity across Europe.
STUDENT MOBILITY SUMMIT : MORE MOBILITY LESS CARBON FOOTPRINT
The 2025 Student Mobility Summit, More Mobility, Less Carbon Footprint, gathered experts, policymakers, and students at the University of Barcelona to tackle sustainable student travel. Discussions focused on greener transport options, stronger institutional commitments, and student-led initiatives.
As a conference partner, EURASHE emphasised the importance of sustainable mobility, particularly for students from non-metropolitan areas, who need greater access to international opportunities. Key takeaways included Zurich’s Sustainable Travel Policy, the U!Train Blended Programme, and the Sustainable Erasmus+ Travel Project.
BFUG MEETING
The 95th Bologna Follow-up Group (BFUG) meeting in Warsaw (February 24-25) gathered key stakeholders to discuss the future of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
For EURASHE, a key takeaway was the strong confirmation of lifelong learning as a crucial element of higher education. The discussions reinforced its role in shaping flexible learning pathways, and we look forward to providing a platform for further debates on this important topic.
Another critical discussion was the ongoing revision of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance (ESG), where EURASHE is actively engaged. Ensuring the ESG remains relevant and fit for purpose is essential for supporting applied higher education and diverse learning pathways. Following the BFUG meeting, the EQAR General Assembly took place where some of the discussion has continued.
Other key agenda points included the review of the ECTS Users’ Guide, the role of AI in higher education, and updates from BFUG working structures, including those focused on internationalisation, mobility, fundamental values, and the future of Bologna governance.
Policy
EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES INITIATIVE
65 European Universities alliances are part of this initiative funded by Erasmus+, gathering over 570 higher education institutions from 35 countries, including all EU countries.
The report presents the strengths, achievements and progress of the alliances. It also identifies the remaining aspects to be addressed and provides policy orientations to sustain the success of the initiative in the long term.
It builds on data sources including:
- the piloting exercise of a monitoring framework for the European Universities initiative, co-developed with the alliances, higher education stakeholders and EU countries
- studies from academics and position papers from EU higher education stakeholders
- national studies assessing the impact of the initiative at national/regional level
Opportunities
COMMISSION LAUNCHES PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON POST-2027 EU BUDGET
On 12 February 2025, the European Commission published a roadmap for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), outlining key priorities. A public consultation is open until 6 May 2025, inviting stakeholders to shape future EU funding.
NO LIMITS TO HOPE: A CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS
The Club of Rome, The Fifth Element and WEEC Network have launched the “No Limits to Hope” initiative to inspire educators, learners, and citizens to shift global learning paradigms in response to existential challenges like climate change and social inequalities. This global project aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, fostering cultural change and transformative learning. Researchers, educators, and practitioners are invited to contribute papers and case studies addressing innovative educational practices, the Anthropocene, and the integration of traditional knowledge. The submission deadline is March 31, 2025.
Our members
Upcoming events
EUROPEAN EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL RIGHTS FORUM 2025
The #EUSocialForum 2025 will focus on one of Europe’s most pressing challenges: labour and skills shortages are on the rise across Europe, while productivity is declining. As the pace of change quickens, how can people develop the skills they need, supporting a strong society and thriving economy? Opinion leaders, policymakers, businesses, academics, and civil society will come together to tackle the critical intersection of employment, skills, and social policies. It will take place on 5 and 6 March 2025 at the EGG, Brussels.
CHARTING EUROPE’S COURSE | CIVIL SOCIETY WEEK
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is addressing the issue of societal polarization through community learning and citizenship education. The initiative aims to foster social cohesion by promoting inclusive education that encourages active participation and informed citizenship. This approach seeks to reconnect divided communities, strengthen democratic values, and empower citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes.
Join Charting Europe’s course to explore how education and culture can bridge divides, foster understanding, and empower individuals to shape a more inclusive society.
Highlights
CoARA WORKING GROUP | RETHINKING ACADEMIC CAREER ASSESSMENT
The CoARA Working Group on Reforming Academic Career Assessment (WG ACA) has developed a targeted mapping of initiatives on academic career assessment, which included a survey and case studies on academic career assessment initiatives.
This document outlines the key lessons learned from both the survey and case studies. It describes six lessons and insights to help guide comprehensive and structured reform ambitions, linking each lesson to specific case studies, survey outcomes and practical tools.
EU COMPASS TO REGAIN COMPETITIVENESS AND SECURE SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY
The European Commission has proposed new measures to reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy. These measures include ambitious reforms for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the reduction of greenhouse gases, aligning with the EU’s broader climate targets. The initiative aims to support EU businesses, create green jobs, and ensure energy security while promoting sustainable practices across industries. This proposal is part of the EU’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
