08 Apr 2025
European University Association welcomes Draft EP Report on European Universities Initiative
The European University Association (EUA) has commended the draft report presented by MEP Laurence Farreng, which highlights the achievements of the European Universities Initiative (EUI) and the challenges it still faces. The EUA praises the initiative’s role in driving systemic reforms that benefit the entire higher education sector, including institutions not part of an alliance. Crucially, EUA emphasises the importance of avoiding a two-tier system through inclusive policies.
The association stresses the need for continued funding under the EU’s next Multiannual Framework Programme to support the alliances, ensuring fairness and quality. In addition, EUA backs the report’s call to retain the EUI as a flagship of Erasmus+, promoting innovative practices and lessons learned across the programme’s strands.
The report also highlights the need for synergies with non-EU funding to ensure sustainable investment. Simplifying funding processes and fostering collaboration across European funding instruments is seen as key to enhancing impact while avoiding preferential treatment that may create inequalities.
EUA welcomes the emphasis on aligning universities’ missions with the knowledge triangle of education, research, and innovation. However, caution is urged in tying alliances too strictly to EU strategic priorities, advocating instead for open research funding calls accessible to the entire sector.
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