EUA President's Vision for Academic Diplomacy in Turbulent Times

The European University Association (EUA), representing over 900 universities across Europe, has emerged as a vocal advocate for what its president, Josep M. Garrell, terms "academic diplomacy." This concept emphasizes the vital role of higher education institutions in maintaining research and educational partnerships even when national governments face strained relations. Garrell, rector of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and EUA president since 2023, highlighted this approach in a recent interview, noting a profound shift in university leaders' concerns from traditional issues like funding and autonomy to the uncertainties posed by global geopolitics.

Universities have long served as bridges between nations, fostering knowledge exchange that transcends political boundaries. In an era marked by conflicts such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, escalating tensions with China, the Middle East crisis, and shifts in transatlantic relations under a returning Donald Trump administration, academic diplomacy offers a pathway to sustain progress. Garrell stressed that "universities are part of soft power. They can build bridges, and people realise this when things go wrong. When governments are not talking to each other, why not continue talking at the academic level?"

Understanding Academic Diplomacy in Higher Education

Academic diplomacy refers to the strategic use of university-led initiatives in research, teaching, and student mobility to promote dialogue and cooperation amid geopolitical friction. Unlike traditional diplomacy conducted by governments, it operates at the institutional level, leveraging shared academic values like openness, curiosity, and evidence-based inquiry. For European universities, this means prioritizing partnerships based on mutual benefit and ethical standards rather than aligning strictly with national foreign policies.

This approach is rooted in the European higher education tradition, exemplified by the Bologna Process, which harmonized degrees across 48 countries since 1999 to enhance mobility and comparability. Today, it extends to global engagements, where universities navigate restrictions on sensitive technologies while preserving broad collaborations in humanities, social sciences, and non-dual-use fields.

The term gains urgency as governments impose safeguards. The European Commission has ramped up research security measures, including export controls and screening for foreign investments in strategic sectors. Yet, Garrell argues universities must retain agency: "Universities want to feel free to identify their own partners, wherever they are."

Geopolitical Pressures Reshaping European University Partnerships

European higher education leaders report heightened anxiety over international ties. Three years ago, surveys showed funding and autonomy as top worries; now, geopolitics dominates. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine prompted EUA to suspend ties with 14 Russian institutions endorsing the aggression, illustrating principled limits. However, collaborations with non-sanctioned partners persist.

Tensions with China affect over 75% of European universities engaged in joint projects, per a 2020 EUA survey. Concerns over intellectual property theft and military-civil fusion have led to reviews, yet fields like climate research continue. The Gaza conflict has sparked protests and debates on partnerships with Israeli institutions, with some German universities reinforcing ties amid backlash. Trump's anticipated policies, including tighter visa rules and tariffs, could disrupt US-EU exchanges, vital for 75% of non-EU collaborations.

These dynamics threaten Europe's research ecosystem, where international co-authorship boosts impact by 20-30% in many fields.

Insights from the 2020 EUA International Collaboration Survey

The EUA's 2020 survey of European universities reveals robust global networks. Key findings include:

• 75% collaborate with non-EU European countries.
• 75% partner with China and other Asian nations.
• 75% engage South and Central America.
• 65% work with African institutions.
• Over 50% connect with Middle East, India, and Oceania partners.

North America leads non-EU ties. These partnerships span joint degrees (25%), staff exchanges, and dual research. Amid tensions, universities report 80% focus on attracting international students, underscoring economic and cultural imperatives.

Photo by Viktor Hesse on Unsplash

EUA's Proactive Initiatives to Counter Polarisation

EUA leads with the Thematic Peer Group on 'Universities and Democracy in Times of Polarisation,' launched in February 2026. Chaired by Sunniva Whittaker (University of Agder), it unites 19 leaders from 14 countries. Discussions cover trust-building in classrooms, societal engagement, and scientific diplomacy. A 2026 toolkit will equip leaders with strategies.

At the 2025 Global University Associations Forum (GUAF), Garrell noted academic diplomacy's bridge-building potential amid geopolitical shifts. EUA's 2025 leadership programme addresses overwhelmed rectors facing AI, sustainability, and funding flux.

Case Studies: Successes in Bridging Divides

The European Universities Initiative (EUI), with 60+ alliances since 2019, exemplifies academic diplomacy. Alliances like CIVIS (10 universities from 9 countries) offer joint degrees and micro-credentials, funded by €1.15 billion to 2027. Despite Brexit, UK unis join, sustaining ties.

Another: German-Israeli partnerships endure protests, with €100m+ in joint projects on water tech. Despite China scrutiny, EU-China EJD programs train 500+ PhDs annually in sustainable energy.

In the Balkans, University of Rijeka hosts EUA dialogues, fostering Western Balkan-EU links post-Yugoslav divides.

Explore EUI alliances for models of resilience.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Voices from the Sector

Rectors echo Garrell. Sunniva Whittaker: Polarisation erodes classroom trust; unis must model dialogue. Sorbonne's Bernold Hasenknopf stresses scientific diplomacy's neutrality.

Researchers value open collaboration: restricting by nationality hampers innovation. A 2024 LERU report notes alliances replicate hierarchies but boost mobility 40%.

Challenges and Safeguards in Research Security

Governments demand dual-use tech screening; EU's 2024 regulation mandates risk assessments. Public scrutiny rises on human rights-linked partners. Solutions: Ethical frameworks, diversified portfolios, non-sensitive focus.

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

• Step 1: Partner due diligence.
• Step 2: Compartmentalize sensitive projects.
• Step 3: Enhance transparency reporting.

Future Outlook: Strengthening Europe's Soft Power

Academic diplomacy positions Europe as a global knowledge hub. EUA's toolkit and EUI expansion signal commitment. With youth democracy trust declining (Eurobarometer 2025: 55% under 30 skeptical), unis educate citizens.

Prospects: AI ethics collaborations, green transitions with Global South. Garrell: Leaders need incentives; EUA's program trains 500+ by 2027.

For careers in this dynamic field, explore faculty positions bridging disciplines.