Alliances such as EUNICE aim to drive systemic transformation across European higher education
Brussels – 6 February 2026. A new report published by the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) reveals that national-level support for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) participating in the European Universities Initiative (EUI) remains fragmented and insufficient, despite the initiative’s strong potential to drive systemic transformation across European higher education.
The report, “National-level support for participation in European Universities Alliances: Insights from Higher Education Institutions and National Agencies”, examines how national ministries and Erasmus+ National Agencies currently support universities engaged in European University alliances, as well as how this support could be reinforced in the coming years.
Unevenly Embedded
According to the study, the European Universities Initiative has increasingly found its way into national and institutional strategies over the past six years. However, references remain inconsistent across countries and policy documents, and many institutions highlight the need for clearer long-term commitment from the EU regarding funding, scope, and sustainability beyond the next Erasmus+ programme period (2028–2034).
Most institutions surveyed perceive ministries of higher education as the main providers of financial support, primarily through dedicated co-funding schemes for institutions already involved in alliances. In parallel, nine out of ten Erasmus+ National Agencies are already offering support, often without a formal mandate, through activities such as networking opportunities, information sessions, national platforms, peer learning, and dissemination of good practices.
National Agencies’ Role
The study highlights a strong potential for National Agencies to take on a more strategic role, building on their expertise, networks, and system-level overview. However, this would require clearer responsibilities, sufficient resources, and improved information flows among European, national, and institutional levels.
Formal recognition of National Agencies as key actors within the EUI architecture — both at EU and national levels — would help reinforce their ability to plan, coordinate and deliver sustained support.
The report was presented ACA’s flagship annual seminar What’s new in Brussels? Recent developments in European policies and programmes. Other topics of dicussion were the European Degree Label, the interoperability of university digital systems and the increasing need of inclusion and diversity measures.
Current initiatives such as SPREAD EUI and Future4All demonstrate the value of coordinated action across countries. Expanding such efforts could enhance policy alignment, reduce disparities among national support systems, and address common regulatory barriers affecting alliance implementation.
Stronger Evaluation and Sustainable Co-funding
The report also calls for more coordinated monitoring of the EUI’s impact at national level, enabling shared learning across programme countries. Additionally, it stresses that sustainable co‑funding mechanisms require close alignment between ministries, National Agencies, and universities.
As European University alliances continue to expand and deepen their collaboration, the study makes clear that national actors have a crucial role to play in creating the enabling environments that these alliances need to flourish.
About ACA
The Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) is a Brussels-based European platform bringing together national organisations that promote and fund the internationalisation of higher education. It acts as a think tank and a hub for cooperation, offering research, policy analysis, joint activities, and strategic advice for its member agencies across Europe. ACA has worked since 1993 to advance innovation and strengthen international collaboration in higher education systems.
+ info: National-level support for participation in European Universities Alliances – FOREU4ALL
