European universities are increasingly navigating a landscape marked by societal and political tensions, where polarisation challenges the core principles of open dialogue and critical thinking. On March 26, 2026, leaders from 19 universities across 14 countries gathered in Brussels for the inaugural in-person meeting of the European University Association's (EUA) new Thematic Peer Group on 'Universities and democracy in times of polarisation'. This initiative, building on an online kickoff in late February, signals a proactive response to the pressures facing higher education institutions throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
The meeting, facilitated by EUA’s Policy Coordination and Foresight team, delved into practical challenges through workshops and exchanges. Discussions highlighted how geopolitical shifts, eroding trust, and contested European values impact daily university operations, from classroom dynamics to international partnerships. Participants explored universities' roles in fostering democratic dialogue while safeguarding academic freedom and institutional autonomy—foundations intertwined with liberal democracy itself.
🔗 Launching the Thematic Peer Group: A Platform for Peer Learning
The Thematic Peer Group represents a strategic effort by the EUA to empower university leaders amid rising polarisation. Established following a call for participation that closed on January 30, 2026, the group targets current or former leaders with institution-wide decision-making experience. Its primary objectives include peer exchange of experiences, collecting good practices, developing thought leadership, and culminating in a practical toolkit by year's end.
Chaired by Sunniva Whittaker, Rector of the University of Agder in Norway and an EUA Board member, the group emphasises geographical diversity, balanced institutional profiles (from comprehensive to specialised universities), and varied expertise. This structure ensures robust, multifaceted insights into how polarisation manifests differently across regions, from Western Europe to the Balkans and Caucasus.
Activities planned for 2026 involve regular meetings—both virtual and in-person—to dissect real-world scenarios. Leaders will share strategies for maintaining open debate spaces, rejecting extremism, and protecting staff and student safety without compromising evidence-based discourse.
Diverse Representation: Leaders from 14 Countries
The group's composition underscores its pan-European scope. Members hail from Norway, Belgium, Croatia, France, Georgia, Germany (three representatives), Ireland (two), Italy (two), North Macedonia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden (two), and Switzerland. Notable participants include:
- Herman Van Goethem, Rector of the University of Antwerp, Belgium
- Bernold Hasenknopf, President of Sorbonne University, France
- Oliver Günther, President of the University of Potsdam, Germany
- Pio Fenton, President of Munster Technological University, Ireland
- Francesco Costamagna, Rector of the University of Turin, Italy
This diversity—spanning multi-faculty powerhouses and specialised institutions—enables nuanced discussions on context-specific challenges.
Core Discussions: Rebuilding Trust in a Fractured Landscape
Central to the Brussels workshop were themes of trust: within classrooms, between universities and society, and in democratic values overall. Leaders grappled with declining confidence in democracy, particularly among younger generations, and universities' pivotal role in cultivating responsible citizenship.
Geopolitical tensions emerged as a flashpoint. How should institutions manage international collaborations amid global realignments? When is scientific diplomacy appropriate, and under what circumstances should universities issue public statements? These questions reflect broader vulnerabilities to political and reputational pressures, especially as European values face contestation.
One key exchange focused on 'trust in classrooms'—ensuring diverse viewpoints coexist without descending into hostility. Practical cases illustrated tensions between fostering free expression and mitigating risks from extremism or misinformation.
Photo by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash
Threats to Academic Freedom: Alarming Trends Across Europe
Polarisation exacerbates threats to academic freedom, a cornerstone of European higher education. Recent data reveals concerning declines: 25 out of 27 EU member states have seen erosion in the Academic Freedom Index, driven by political pressures, funding constraints, and rising societal divides.
The European Parliament's Academic Freedom Monitor 2025 identifies political polarisation as a primary trend, alongside self-censorship and institutional interference. In countries like Hungary, Poland (pre-reforms), and parts of the Balkans, government interventions have curtailed autonomy. Even in Western Europe, 'cancel culture' fears and external funding influences pose subtler risks.
Students, via the European Students' Union (ESU), express alarm over shrinking spaces for free research and teaching. A 2026 ESU survey highlighted how polarisation fuels self-censorship, with 40% of respondents noting hesitancy in discussing controversial topics.
Universities as Bastions of Democratic Dialogue
Historically, universities have been cradles of enlightenment, challenging authority and nurturing pluralism. In today's polarised Europe—exacerbated by populism, migration debates, and geopolitical conflicts like Ukraine and the Middle East—institutions must reaffirm this mission.
The EUA webinar 'Universities and democracy in times of polarisation' (January 20, 2026) reinforced this, featuring student leaders and experts on maintaining open societies. Watch the recording for insights into universities' societal contributions.
Leaders emphasise proactive measures: curriculum integration of civic education, debate forums, and partnerships with civil society. For instance, Sorbonne University's initiatives on ethical AI address tech-driven echo chambers.
Case Studies: Real-World Responses from European Campuses
Germany's University of Potsdam has implemented 'dialogue labs' to bridge ideological divides among students, reporting a 25% increase in cross-perspective interactions. In Ireland, the University of Galway hosts annual 'Democracy Days', blending lectures with public forums amid Brexit fallout.
Croatia's University of Rijeka navigates post-Yugoslav tensions through inclusive governance reforms, while Georgia's East European University counters Russian influence via Western-aligned research networks. These examples, shared in the peer group, highlight adaptable strategies.
Youth Disillusionment: A Wake-Up Call for Higher Education
Surveys indicate Gen Z and Millennials' waning faith in democracy—Eurobarometer 2025 notes only 55% of under-30s view it positively, down from 70% a decade ago. Universities must counter this through experiential learning: simulations of parliamentary debates, service-learning projects, and media literacy courses dissecting fake news.
Polarisation amplifies via social media algorithms, creating silos. Institutions like Malmö University in Sweden integrate digital citizenship into core curricula, partnering with platforms for fact-checking workshops.
Photo by James Claffey on Unsplash
Towards a Practical Toolkit: Actionable Insights Ahead
By December 2026, the peer group aims to deliver a toolkit equipping leaders with templates for crisis response, policy advocacy, and community engagement. Drawing from EUA's announcement, it will address public positioning, partnership vetting, and resilience-building.
Related EUA visions, like 'Universities without walls – A vision for 2030', provide complementary frameworks for adaptive, outward-facing institutions.
Implications for Stakeholders and Future Outlook
For faculty, this means enhanced support against harassment; for students, safer spaces for dissent; for society, universities as trust anchors. As Europe braces for 2029 elections, higher education's role in depolarisation grows critical.
Optimistically, collaborative efforts like this peer group could restore faith, positioning universities as democracy's vanguard. Challenges persist, but collective leadership offers hope.