EURASHE contributes to the consultation on the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), calling for bold and targeted investment in applied higher education, skills, research, and regional innovation. As Europe faces major social, technological, environmental, and geopolitical transitions, the next MFF must serve as a strategic tool to strengthen the EU’s competitiveness, cohesion, and democratic resilience. EURASHE believes that investing in people and places is essential to achieving this.
At the heart of this vision lies education that meets real-world needs. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), represented by EURASHE, bridge the gap between education and the labour market by delivering practice-oriented programmes shaped by local economies and employers. Their graduates are “work-ready”, contributing immediately to society and industry, and supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.
EURASHE emphasises that demand-led, place-based investment must guide future EU funding. Regional needs differ across Europe, and so must the support provided. UAS are central to building resilient, inclusive regions, especially beyond major urban centres, by driving Smart Specialisation strategies and fostering innovation where it’s needed most.
Erasmus+ is a cornerstone of European cooperation, mobility, and shared values. EURASHE supports calls for a fivefold increase in its budget to reflect growing ambitions, enable wider participation, and support initiatives such as European University Alliances, joint degrees, and mobility schemes for non-traditional learners.
Likewise, applied research must be recognised as a driver of innovation and competitiveness. EURASHE calls for stronger support for collaborative, practical research projects that respond directly to regional and societal challenges. Funding should be more accessible, and better integrated across programmes like Horizon Europe, the Cohesion Funds, and the future FP10.
Stakeholder organisations such as EURASHE are vital in linking EU priorities with local action. They ensure that the voice of Universities of Applied Sciences, and the communities they serve, is heard in European policymaking. To continue this role, sustained operating support and structured consultation are essential.
EURASHE urges the EU to make the next MFF a turning point: one that invests in people, empowers regions, and builds a Europe that is more competitive, cohesive, and resilient for the future.
