ACA is involved in the ongoing consultation process on the 2030 Vision of Universities in Europe which is to inform and shape policy developments in revitalising the European Research Area (ERA). The consultation will result in a policy report which is expected in the upcoming months.

To address the widely-recognised societal challenges, from rising populism and xenophobia to mistrust in science and academia, to climate change and ageing societies, collective efforts are needed and universities already have a key role in creating and mobilising knowledge for the benefit of society, as well as in building bridges with and towards the general public and non-academic actors.

ACA welcomes the intention to bring (higher) education and research closer on the EU agenda and encourages further cooperation within the European Commission in aligning policy developments in the European Research Area (ERA) and European Education Area (EEA) for a more inclusive, comprehensive and collaborative European area of education and research.

As an association of national organisations supporting international cooperation in higher education, ACA represents a multitude of agents facilitating collaboration, mobility and inclusion in the areas of education, research and development, within diverse national and regional systems, support structures and political landscapes. This diversity needs to be reflected and addressed in the future European areas of education and research.

You can read more in ACA’s input paper available here.