Headlines
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PUBLISHES UNION OF SKILLS
On 5th March, the European Commission launched the long-awaited Union of Skills, a plan to invest in upskilling and lifelong learning to promote European competitiveness.
At EURASHE, we believe that Applied Universities are at the heart of building the Union of Skills. By offering educational programmes designed for the world of work, including upskilling and reskilling, fostering STEM and digital skills, and developing analytical and entrepreneurial competences, they play a crucial role in preparing individuals for the evolving job market.
EURASHE Activities
EURASHE ANNUAL CONFERENCE | “PLACE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS”
Only two weeks left to register to our 34th Annual Conference, hosted by EURASHE Member Portalegre Polytechnic University.
The conference will take place in Portalegre, Portugal on 14th to 15th May. Registrations close on 13th April. Take your ticket!
QA COP MEETS IN PRAGUE
The Current Challenges in Quality Assurance in Professional Tertiary Education meeting happened on March 28th in Prague. The event was organised in partnership with the Czech Association of Professional Higher Education, Newton College, the EURASHE QA CoP community, and supported by the Erasmus+ IMAP4U project. It focused on the current challenges in professional tertiary education and offered unique insights into the European Higher Education Area.
ETI LABS PROJECT KICK OFF
On 18th March in Brussels, the Erasmus Talent & Innovation Labs (ETI Labs) project consortium met at the Erasmus Student Network office to officially kick-start its activities. The project is designed to bridge the gap between higher education and the labour market, enhancing the employability of students and recent graduates through innovative learning methodologies and strategic partnerships.
Representation
CDEDU 7TH PLENARY SESSION
From 17-19th March, the Council of Europe Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) met in Strasbourg to discuss the advancement of Higher Education policy. Key achievements included:
- The introduction of a Students’ Rights Charter, focusing on non-discriminatory access to education, privacy, freedom of expression, and social rights. The Charter is set to be finalised in 2027.
- The adoption of a new programme on Artificial Intelligence and Recognition of Qualifications, which will be followed by the creation of an ad-hoc Working Group
Policy
EUA GUIDELINES TO PROTECT AND PROMOTE ACADEMIC FREEDOM
The European University Association (EUA) emphasizes the need for universities to protect and promote academic freedom. Its position paper offers practical guidance and calls on EUA members to implement policies to safeguard these freedoms. The paper also urges governments to take supportive actions.
EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND THE LOCAL DEMOCRATIC MISSION
This publication explores how higher education fosters democratic values and active citizenship. It examines the impact of history, culture, and national identities on European universities, as well as their role in promoting democracy, human rights, and local community engagement. The book highlights the ongoing importance of this democratic mission in higher education.
Opportunities
EQAF CALL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS
The call for contributions for the 2025 European Quality Assurance Forum (EQAF) is now open. The event, themed “QA in times of crises – Ensuring stability, autonomy and international cooperation in higher education,” will take place in Budapest from 12-14th November, hosted by Corvinus University. EQAF will explore the role of quality assurance in maintaining public education, promoting academic values, and supporting institutional autonomy during crises. Proposals for paper presentations, workshops, and poster presentations can be submitted by 22 June 2025.
INTERNATIONAL GREEN GOWN AWARDS 2025
The awards recognise Higher Education institutions driving sustainability. Award categories cover all aspects of sustainability, from student engagement to net-zero strategies. Apply by 28th April and gain global recognition for your institution’s impact.
Our members
Upcoming events
SAVE THE DATE | SUMMER COCKTAIL
Join us on 24th June for the ultimate Higher Education networking event right in the heart of Brussels as we toast the culmination of an incredible academic year.
This informal gathering brings together European professionals, educators, and industry leaders to network and discuss Higher Education in a relaxed setting.
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S RESEARCH & INNOVATION COMMUNITY PLATFORM – INFO SESSIONS
The European Commission’s research and innovation community platform is organising info sessions to help applicants prepare for the call.
Highlights
IAU LAUNCHES THE 2ND GLOBAL SURVEY ON DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION
The digital transformation of society is inevitably reshaping the higher education sector and it impacts the way HEIs operate at all levels, from governance to teaching and learning, from the content of curricula to knowledge production and research activities. This constitutes an important transformation of higher education that comes both with new opportunities as well as challenges. It is an ongoing process that higher education institutions are reacting to, interacting with, shaping to remain relevant and to adapt to increasingly digitalised societies. All higher education institutions are kindly asked to contribute.
JOINT EMPLOYMENT REPORT 2025
The European Commission and the Council have published the Joint Employment Report (JER). The report provides an annual overview of key employment and social developments in the Union and of Member States’ recent policy measures, in line with the Guidelines for the Employment Policies of the Member States.
