European Universities: Knowledge is Europe’s Strategic Asset

In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape – marked by growing strategic competition, pressure on democratic freedoms, and uncertainty around international partnerships – Europe can no longer take its position for granted. “We must invest in ambitious research that ensures this continent remains at the forefront of innovation, economic dynamism, and scientific excellence – solving problems that affect society in the process. Simultaneously, expanded opportunities in higher education enable our populace to tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” UNL president Caspar van den Berg said. 

This requires strong investment and well-crafted policy choices: a bigger budget and a researcher-first approach for Horizon Europe, a reinforced Erasmus+ with opportunities for students across the continent, and a European Research Area that prioritises openness, collaboration, and talent mobility. Sustained investment in both curiosity-driven and applied research, across all fields of knowledge, from artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to climate science and the study of democratic institutions, is essential to secure long-term impact.

 Europe’s greatest strength lies in its public knowledge sector. By making a bold, collective investment in knowledge, Europe can safeguard its strategic autonomy while remaining open, competitive, and globally connected.

The joint statement is supported by: 

• The German Rectors' Conference 
• France Universités 
• Universities of the Netherlands
• The Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland
• The Flemish Interuniversity Council
• The Rectors' Council of the French-speaking universities of Belgium
• The Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities

Read the Joint Statement below.