European university strategy: doubts over funding and force

University leaders welcome Commission proposals but question whether member states will commit to change

University leaders have stressed that the EU’s newly released strategy for European universities will only be effective if member states step up their commitment, including by supplying more funding, with some highly skeptical this will be forthcoming.

The European Commission published its strategy on 18 January, alongside a proposal for EU member states to increase cooperation on higher education. The texts underscore the importance of universities, encourage member states to address their “significant underfunding” and set out what the Commission itself will do next.