The Academic Cooperation Association (ACA) and the Slovenian National Agency for European Community Programmes and International Mobility Programmes (CMEPIUS) jointly published a study, “National-level support for participation in European Universities Alliances: Insights from Higher Education Institutions and National Agencies” on 30 January 2026. The study explores the rich landscape of national-level support available to higher education institutions (HEIs) funded under the European Universities Initiative (EUI), as well as the Seal of Excellence holders, and suggests ways forward for the higher education community.

Drawing on the insights of staff and leadership of 251 higher education institutions across 32 countries and 33 National Agencies across 28 countries, representing 36 European Universities alliances, the study highlights the distinct and complementary support provided by national funding bodies to the EUI, particularly National Agencies for Erasmus+ (NAs). The study also illustrates the specific support needs at national level, as well as the interest, roles, and capacities of national-level actors, most notably NAs, to provide and potentially strengthen such support.

Within the national landscapes of support, illustrated by national good practices, the study points to the need for more coordinated, strategically aligned, and sustainable approaches to supporting HEIs in the EUI, to scale and sustain the initiative's impact. The study proposes ways forward for policymakers and national and higher education institutional leaders alike. Read the full report here.

The co-organisers of the study, ACA and CMEPIUS, will hold an online workshop this spring to share the key findings and further discuss the conclusions and ways forward. More information about the date and time will be shared in the coming weeks on ACA’s LinkedIn page and on the respective project page, here.

Stay tuned!