2025 was a year of consolidation and forward-looking development for EURASHE, marked by strong policy engagement, well-attended events, influential publications, and an important organisational milestone. Throughout the year, EURASHE reinforced its role as a key European stakeholder for applied higher education, while laying foundations for future collaboration and impact. In this article we highlight the main achievements of the year and look ahead to what lies beyond.
Policy
In 2025, EURASHE strengthened its role in European higher education policymaking through active participation in consultative committees and expert groups linked to the European Education Area, including initiatives such as the European Qualifications Framework, Centres of Vocational Excellence, and the Harnessing Talent Platform.
As a consultative member of the Bologna Follow-Up Group, EURASHE contributed to the new Bologna cycle and joined working groups on internationalisation, mobility, and the future of Bologna. EURASHE also engaged with the European Parliament’s CULT Committee and the Council of Europe, responding to consultations and supporting evidence-based policymaking for professional higher education.
Events
The 34th Annual Conference, “Place, Knowledge, Skills: Applied universities driving regional competitiveness”, took place on 14–15 May in Portalegre, Portugal, exploring how applied universities contribute to regional development through skills, innovation and knowledge transfer.
Another highlight was the Summer Symposium “UAS at the centre of a new place-based agenda for European competitiveness and cohesion?”, held in Brussels and attended by around 100 participants. A dynamic panel featured leading voices from EURASHE member and partner institutions, alongside representatives from the European Commission and the European Regions Research and Innovation Network (ERRIN). Discussions addressed Europe’s innovation divide, the evolution of Smart Specialisation strategies, and the adequacy of current cohesion policies in supporting less-developed regions.
In addition, EURASHE organised several webinars throughout the year, providing accessible opportunities for members and stakeholders to engage with emerging policy developments, share practices, and contribute to ongoing European debates.
In addition, we continued to organise webinars throughout the year on different topics—all accessibly through the ‘PHE at home’ series.
Projects
The following projects began in 2025:
- App Mobility
- Bologna Process for Learning and Teaching (BP4LnT) (coordinated by EURASHE)
- ETI Labs
- HUCO Labs
- Spice
- U!Innovate
Membership
EURASHE welcomed 12 new members this year, bringing the total to 91 institutions across 36 countries. Collectively, our Association now represents over 500 higher education institutions in 37 countries. Explore our members.
Key Publications
EURASHE released several significant publications in 2025:
- Applied Sciences for the Union of Skills, arguing that applied universities harness and nurture talent in Europe, driving innovation and closing skills gaps
- Contribution to the consultation on the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, calling for bold and targeted investment in applied higher education, skills, research, and regional innovation.
Moving to a new office
Most importantly, on 1st December EURASHE moved to a new office at the heart of the European quarter, on Rue de la Science 14a. The relocation marked an important milestone for our association as we continue strengthening our role in European higher education policy, applied research, lifelong learning, and the transformation of Universities of Applied Sciences across the EHEA.
Looking Forward to 2026
We now turn our heads to 2026, in which we will hold the 35th Annual Conference “Impact, Industry, Society: ” in Amsterdam (NL). Throughout the year, EURASHE will also continue to be involved in the revision of the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG), ensuring that the voice of Universities of Applied Sciences and the applied higher education sector is represented throughout the process.
We look forward to working closely with our members and partners to achieve even greater things in 2026!