Shape the future of European Higher Education: Take part in the public consultation on the next EU budget (2028–2034)

29 April 2025 | From UNICA

In preparation for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF 2028-2034), the EU’s long-term budget, the European Commission has launched a series of public consultation to gather input on the future priorities of EU funding, including one in the areas of cross-border education, training, youth, media, culture, and civil society.

This is a crucial opportunity for universities and higher education professionals to share their insights and advocate for support for a strong European Higher Education system. Your contribution will help ensure that future EU programmes respond to the real needs of learners, educators, and institutions, reinforcing the role of universities in building a more connected, innovative, and inclusive Europe.

Please note the deadline is tight! Submit your response by 6 May!

Why does it matter? Understanding the MFF

The European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is the financial backbone that supports countless initiatives, including in education, research, innovation, culture, and beyond. Set over a seven-year period, the MFF defines how much the EU can spend and on which priorities, shaping the future of programmes like Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and others that are essential to universities.

The next MFF, covering 2028–2034, is currently under discussion in the European Commission (EC), who will present a proposal still this year. Following President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines and the recently published Competitiveness Compass, the EC aims to create a simpler, more focused, and responsive budget that reflects European strategic priorities. To gather views from interested parties on how to make the most of the EU budget, the EC launched seven public consultations covering various policy areas, including one focused on funding for cross-border education, training, youth, media, culture, and civil society.

Why should I/ my institution take part?

As someone working in the Higher Education sector, your perspective is vital. Universities are key players in Europe’s ambition to be a leader in innovation, inclusion, and global cooperation. By responding to the consultation, you can:

• Highlight the importance of sustained and increased investment in cross-border education;
• Advocate for programmes that support mobility, lifelong learning, inclusion, digital transformation, and societal resilience;
• Ensure that the unique needs and challenges faced by universities and students are considered in future EU funding priorities.

Also, broader reach = greater impact! The consultation is open to a wide range of stakeholders from across Europe, ensuring that the future priorities of the MFF reflect the diverse needs of all EU member states and associated countries. While the consultation is specific, its scope remains broad. The more representatives from Higher Education participate, the stronger the voice of the sector. Your input will help highlight the importance of sustained and targeted investment in mobility, digital transformation, and inclusion, ensuring that universities remain at the heart of Europe’s strategic priorities. In a consultation that engages voices from across the continent, it is essential that the higher education community speaks with a unified and strong voice to advocate for what truly matters for universities and their students.

Do I need specific expertise to take part?

No, you don’t need specialized knowledge of EU programmes to participate. The consultation is designed to be accessible, featuring a simple questionnaire that seeks to understand the priorities and values of interested parties. According to the consultation guidelines, it will only take about 10 minutes to complete. In order to contribute you’ll need to register or login using your existing social media account. All information can be found on the consultation’s webpage.

Is UNICA taking part in this consultation?

Yes, as a collective of universities, UNICA is contributing to this consultation in its capacity as an organisation. Aligned with our mission, vision, and strategic plan, we are focusing on several key priorities in our response, which we believe are essential for the continued development and success of European universities. Here’s a summary of the views and priorities we are highlighting:

Priority 1: Build a solid, inclusive and reliable cross-border cooperation system

• Simplify Erasmus+ mobilities by reducing bureaucratic barriers and streamlining accreditation processes.
• Support mutual recognition of qualifications and strengthen academic exchange frameworks.

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Priority 2: Empower students through inclusive, innovative education systems that support active citizenship and global competencies

• Expand lifelong learning opportunities, including though the implementation of microcredentials and flexible learning paths.
• Promote innovative and student-centred teaching through digital, blended, and interdisciplinary approaches.
• Balance STEM and SSH by advancing a broad skills agenda that fosters both technological and social understanding.

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Priority 3: Strengthen universities’ role as protectors of democratic values, academic freedom, and inclusion

• Foster an equitable teaching & learning and research environment which ensures that fundamental rights and democratic values are upheld within academic institutions

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Priority 4: Position universities as civic actors working with local communities to solve societal challenges

• Support science-driven responses to societal challenges, including climate action, through education and public engagement.
• Foster partnerships between universities and civil society, especially in capital cities, to co-create solutions and address urban challenges.