Two new initiatives for higher education: a European strategy for universities

Two new initiatives for higher education: a European strategy for universities

Two new higher education initiatives have today been adopted by the European Commission. The European Strategy for Universities and a Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on building bridges for effective European higher education cooperation are expected to support European universities in their unique position to shape a greener, more inclusive and digital European Union. 

The European Strategy for Universities intends to support and enable all European universities to contribute to the bloc's resilience and recovery by proposing four objectives. They are:

  • Strengthen the European dimension of higher education and research.
  • Consolidate universities as lighthouses with actions focusing on academic and research careers, future-proof careers, diversity, inclusion, democratic practices, fundamental rights and academic values.
  • Empower universities as actors of change in the twin transitions.
  • Reinforce universities as drivers of the EU's global role and leadership. 

The Commission proposal for a Council recommendation on building bridges in higher education is an invitation for Member States to take action and create appropriate conditions at the national level to enable close and sustainable transnational cooperation. 

Read more about these two announcements here. The upcoming French Presidency event - the Forum of Universities for the Future of Europe - is expected to feature discussions on the new higher education strategy.