Headlines

EURASHE ANNUAL CONFERENCE | “PLACE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS”
Registrations are open for our 34th Annual Conference, hosted by EURASHE Member Portalegre Polytecnic University. The conference will take place in Portugal on 14th to 15th May. Take your ticket!
EURASHE Activities
HUCO LABS KICKOFF
Last week, the EURASHE team was in Bari for the kickoff meeting of this new project, hosted by project coordinator ITS Cuccovillo.
HUCO Labs brings together Vocational Education and Training institutions, universities and companies to develop technicians’ skills that will facilitate synergies in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The project aims to standardise training and foster innovation through pilot programs in advanced manufacturing and a European platform promoting collaboration and transnational cooperation.
ATHENA PROJECT PUBLICATIONS
We are thrilled to announce the publication of three new deliverables that advance the integration of accessibility and universal design in higher education curricula:
Focus Groups and Co-Design Report
This document delves into the methodology and findings from focus groups and co-design sessions with accessibility experts and educational leaders. It explores integrating accessibility into academic programmes, identifying relevant skills, competences, and evaluation methods, and features tangible course proposals developed during co-design sessions.
This comprehensive guide offers actionable recommendations for implementing accessibility and universal design in HigherEducation. It targets stakeholders such as policymakers, accreditation bodies, programme designers, and instructors. Key areas include legal frameworks, funding, curriculum design, staff training, and learning outcomes.
This report assesses the feasibility of the above recommendations, highlighting potential challenges and practical strategies for implementation. Insights were gathered from 17 representatives of macro-level bodies across Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czechia, and Spain, providing valuable perspectives on advancing inclusive curricula.
These deliverables are a significant step towards ensuring that higher education systems across Europe embrace inclusivity and accessibility. Together, let’s promote curricula that empower all learners!
Representation
THE XCIV BFUG BOARD MEETING
The XCIV BFUG Board meeting took place on January 9, 2025, hosted by Albania and co-chaired by Poland and Albania. The meeting focused on updates from the EHEA Secretariat, discussions on ongoing working group activities, and planning for the upcoming BFUG meeting in Poland. Key points included the progress on the progress in setting the new EHEA period, a draft schedule for upcoming discussions, and reports on working groups addressing topics such as fundamental values, internationalisation, and mobility. The agenda for the next BFUG meeting and the ESG revision consultation session were also reviewed.
Policy
COUNCIL OF EUROPE AD HOC WORKING GROUP ON AUTOMATIC RECOGNITION
The work of the Council of Europe Ad Hoc Working Group on Automatic Recognition has been exploring the topic of automatic recognition of qualifications for the last two years. After conducting the consultations with Higher Education Institutions together with European University Association the work continues and will lead to the proposal for the CoE instrument further supporting Automatic Recognition in Europe.
Opportunities
LLLP LIFELONG LEARNING LAB
The LLLPlatform organise a new online edition of LLLLAB 2025. The LLLAB training aims to empower participants to promote EU cooperation in education, training, and lifelong learning within their national contexts. It will feature four distinct training courses for national stakeholders in education and training.
– Guidebook to European decision-making in Education and Training (27th February)
– Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the next EU budget (6th March)
– EU Semester (13th March)
– National advocacy with the Council Presidencies (20th March)
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SMART SPECIALISATION STRATEGIES IN EUROPE!
Prognos AG, in collaboration with CSIL, has launched an online survey for a study commissioned by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO). The purpose is to collect insights and suggestions from S3 practitioners and stakeholders on the current generation of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) and their implementation on the ground. The results and views collected will inform the discussions on the future of S3.
This is also a valuable chance for you to suggest new developments with a forward-looking perspective. Seize this opportunity to have your voice heard!
The survey is open for responses from 27th January to 17th February.
EUROPEAN UNION PRIZE FOR CITIZEN SCIENCE
The European Union Prize for Citizen Science celebrates exceptional initiatives that empower civil society to advance knowledge and foster societal progress through innovative Open Science practices. Open to diverse projects across the European Research Area, the Prize highlights impactful collaborations between citizens and researchers that drive cultural, environmental, and political advancements. Apply by 10th March and receive the prestigious prize of 60.000 €.
INTERREG NEXT MED CALL FOR PROPOSAL
We are pleased to inform you that the Interreg NEXT MED call for proposals on green transition projects is now open for applications The call, worth €83 million in EU funding, aims to support innovative and collaborative solutions to address crucial climate challenges across the Mediterranean region. The deadline for submitting project proposals is 15th of April 2025. For more information on the call, please click on the button bellow. As part of the call for proposals, a series of info days will be organised across the 15 countries participating in the Programme. These events are designed to offer participants guidance on the rules, requirements, and application process to submit quality proposals.
Our members
Highlights
POLISH PRESIDENCY OF THE COUNCIL OF THE EU
The Polish presidency of the Council of the EU (January–July 2024) focuses on key priorities in education that are relevant to our network:
The Presidency will prioritise strengthening cooperation among EU countries to build resilient and inclusive education systems. Key focuses include access to high-quality education, training, and lifelong learning for all.
It will focus on advancing the higher education package, including plans for a joint European diploma and promoting vocational excellence. It will also address student mobility and the future of the European Universities Initiative.
It will also initiate talks on post-2027 education programs, considering evolving EU citizen needs and potential participation from third-country citizens. In higher education, it will advance work on a joint European diploma and foster vocational excellence. Discussions will address the future of the European Universities Initiative and student mobility across Europe.