News from EUA

EUA is very pleased to present the latest edition of its Public Funding Observatory, offering the most up-to-date information on 34 higher education systems across Europe. The data is presented in a report, an online interactive tool and individual country reports. Now in its 10th edition, the main report gives an overview of the latest public funding developments, as well as trends captured over a decade. Our aim is to support members in national policy dialogues and in promoting ambitious investment so we can fulfill our missions and support our knowledge economies. We are indebted to the national rectors’ conferences for this study, as they regularly provide extensive funding data from their countries.
Higher education and research organisations from both the EU and the UK have published a common statement calling for the UK’s full association to the future Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes. I had the pleasure of addressing this topic in The Guardian with an editorial stressing this sensible goal, as well as the need for policy makers to act swiftly.
EUA is busy with preparations for its Annual Conference, which will be kindly hosted by our member, Gdańsk University of Technology, on 16 and 17 April. This year’s theme is “Universities building a better Europe.” We look forward to seeing you there to discuss the crucial role of universities in creating knowledge and fostering democratic and sustainable societies. The EUA General Assembly will take place alongside the Annual Conference. This will be an opportunity for members both to reflect on EUA’s history and to give input to the future strategy of the Association.
I wish you very happy reading,
Amanda Crowfoot
EUA Secretary General
NEWS
EUA President Michael Murphy addressed the presidents of the European Parliament, Commission and Council on the occasion of a special European Summit to discuss the Multiannual Financial Framework. The negotiations will determine the futures of Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
EUA joins its member, the University of Bologna, in urging EU political representatives to prioritise the case of Patrick George Zaky. The graduate student was arrested in Cairo, reportedly in connection with his human rights activism and research.
Higher education and research organisations from both the EU and the UK published a common statement committing to maintain their current relationships. As a signatory, EUA supports the call for the UK’s full association to the future Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes.
The Research Data Rights Summit was organised by Sorbonne University, the University of Amsterdam and University College London, all EUA members. EUA has long advocated on this topic, most recently through the FAIRsFAIR project.
EUA has conducted a study for the European Commission that addresses the capacity of the Erasmus+ programme to tackle equity and inclusion, facilitating access to participants from disadvantaged backgrounds. The report contains a series of recommendations.
Romita Iucu from the University of Bucharest, Manel Jiménez Morales from Pompeu Fabra University – Barcelona, Marja Sutela from Tampere University and Marta Žuvić from the University of Rijeka will join EUA’s Learning & Teaching Steering Committee in March.

EUA mourns the loss of Professor Hinrich Seidel

The Association would like to express its most sincere condolences to the loved ones of Professor Hinrich Seidel. Professor Seidel served as the President of the European Rectors’ Conference (CRE), one of the organisations that EUA was built upon. He also served as the President of the German Rectors’ Conference, an EUA member. Professor Seidel is credited with strengthening relations between Europe’s universities. His legacy and contribution to the higher education sector in Europe will not be forgotten.
EUA JOB OPPORTUNITY
EUA has launched a search for an experienced professional to take responsibility for the Association’s Research & Innovation unit. The post is of strategic importance to EUA as it is focused on enhancing the role of universities as key research actors at the European level.
PUBLICATIONS
PAPER | Learning & Teaching