The presidents of the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), Universities Austria (UNIKO) and the Association of Universities in the Netherlands (VSNU), all EUA members, have published a common statement urging governments to recognise the value of education, research and innovation in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework.
EUA strongly backs the document, “Last chance to invest in European higher education and research”, which comes at crucial time as decisive negotiations on the seven-year budget are currently underway. The signatories stress that policymakers must act fast to set the right course for a successful future by significantly increasing funds for flagship programmes like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
It is important that the discussion takes place at the national level and in national media in order to convince governments. In close cooperation with Europe’s national university associations, EUA has long advocated for “Sufficient, Sustainable and Simple EU Funding for Universities” in dedicated campaigns. The Association encourages and supports members in making the case for ambitious investment in research, innovation and education. This is urgent as the budget negotiations are coming to a head and the new generation of EU-funded programmes will start in January 2021. EUA supports the European Parliament’s efforts in seeking to boost future-oriented programmes like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.
The common statement from HRK, UNIKO and VSNU was published on 21 October and is available in English and German.
This article was first published on 22 October by EUA.
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