In a landmark move, rectors' conferences and university associations from seven European countries have united to emphasize the pivotal role of research and higher education in bolstering the European Union's global standing. Released on April 7, 2026, the joint statement titled "Research and Education are the Foundation of European Competitiveness and Resilience" calls for unprecedented investments amid mounting geopolitical pressures and economic challenges.
The document arrives at a critical juncture for the EU, as leaders grapple with strategic autonomy in a world where knowledge is increasingly viewed as a contested asset. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the need for Europe to 'take ownership' of its economic and geopolitical power, a sentiment echoed by the signatories who warn that no single member state can tackle today's scientific, technological, and societal issues alone.
Signatories and the Collaborative Voice
The statement bears the signatures of prominent organizations representing thousands of universities across the continent: the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), France Universités, Universities of the Netherlands, Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, Flemish Interuniversity Council, Rectors' Council of French-speaking universities of Belgium, and Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities. These groups collectively advocate for over two million students and numerous research labs, underscoring a unified front from major EU players.
This collaboration reflects a growing trend among European higher education leaders to speak with one voice on policy matters, building on previous efforts like those surrounding the Draghi report on EU competitiveness, which stressed massive public investment in research and innovation.
Context: Europe's Competitiveness Imperative
Europe faces intensifying competition from the US and China, where R&D spending as a percentage of GDP lags behind. In 2024, the EU reached 2.24% of GDP on R&D, up from 2.09% a decade earlier, yet China has recently surpassed the US in total research expenditure. The current Horizon Europe program, with its €95.5 billion budget for 2021-2027, has been instrumental, but signatories argue it's insufficient for the next era.
Mario Draghi's influential report on the future of European competitiveness called for enhanced investment in basic research and skills development, positioning universities as central to innovation ecosystems. Against this backdrop, the statement positions higher education as key to strategic autonomy, warning of erosion from funding cuts and threats to academic freedom, with 25 of 27 EU states seeing declines in the Academic Freedom Index.
Core Demand: €220 Billion for FP10
At the heart of the appeal is a call for €220 billion for the 10th Framework Programme (FP10), the successor to Horizon Europe. This exceeds the European Commission's proposed €175 billion, aiming to fund excellent research across disciplines, including fundamental work essential for breakthroughs.
The statement stresses FP10's autonomy, governance by the R&I community, and integration of social sciences and humanities (SSH) for addressing disinformation, governance, and tech ethics. Collaborative pillars would tackle societal challenges no single nation can solve alone.
Complementing with the European Competitiveness Fund
The proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) should complement rather than replace FP10, focusing on translating research into applications for economic strength and independence. Signatories envision joint governance where FP10 drives discovery and ECF scales impact, attracting private resources through bottom-up collaboration.
For the full details, read the complete joint statement PDF.
€60 Billion Push for Erasmus+ Expansion
Recognizing education's role in fostering solidarity, the statement demands €60 billion for the next Erasmus+—double the current €26.2 billion and above the proposed €40.8 billion. This would meet rising demand, support broad participation, and enhance skills for a dynamic labor market.
Beyond economics, mobility builds critical thinking and intercultural ties, vital for societal cohesion. European University Alliances exemplify this, with over 50 groups pioneering joint programs and mobility.
Fortifying the European Research Area
The European Research Area (ERA) Act must prioritize openness, academic freedom, and free movement of researchers, students, and ideas—a 'fifth freedom.' While acknowledging security needs, the statement urges preserving global collaboration for excellence and credibility.
Long-term funding for alliances would deepen integration in ERA, EEA, and EHEA goals. Success stories like ECIU University demonstrate enhanced competitiveness and talent attraction through cross-border degrees.
Read more on alliances' progress in the European Commission report.
Universities' Tangible Contributions
European universities drive economic impact, with the sector valued at €148 billion in 2026. They generate innovations in AI, biotech, and green tech, while training a skilled workforce. Horizon Europe has funded thousands of projects, yielding patents and startups.
- EPICUR Alliance: Digital infrastructures for shared research.
- Arqus Alliance: Transformational potential in joint curricula.
- CIVIS: Pushing global partnerships for competitiveness.
Facing Headwinds: Funding and Freedom Challenges
Despite progress, universities confront stagnant national funding, rising costs, and freedom erosions—e.g., political interference in Hungary and Poland. The statement laments polarized discourse weakening democratic standards.
Photo by Antoine Schibler on Unsplash
Path Forward: Implications and Outlook
Implementing these demands could position Europe as a knowledge superpower, attracting talent and fostering resilience. Policymakers must act in the next MFF negotiations, prioritizing R&I investments per Draghi's vision.
For professionals in European higher education, this signals opportunities in expanding research roles. Explore openings at leading institutions via our Europe jobs board.
