Heads of 271 universities call on the EU's next MFF to explicitly recognise the role of alliances

A total of 271 higher education institutions from 30 European countries have published a joint statement calling for "an explicit recognition of European University Alliances as pillars of Europe’s competitiveness, sovereignty and skills".

Published on 21/09/2026 and coordinated by the alliance UNITA, the statement "calls on the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to acknowledge the role of the alliances in the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and in the European Competitiveness Fund".

The statement is drafted by Presidents and Rectors of universities that are members of alliances and wish to "reaffirm the collective role played by European universities in addressing the major crises Europe has faced in recent years, whether in strengthening the…