Am 18.1.2022 hat die Europäische Kommission eine Mitteilung zur Europäischen Strategie für Hochschulen („European strategy for universities“) veröffentlicht. Die Kommission schlägt darin vor, sich bis Mitte 2024 auf die Erreichung der folgenden vier gemeinsamen Kernziele zu konzentrieren:

strengthen the European dimension in higher education and research:
Implement a set of flagship initiatives that will be for transnational cooperation what Erasmus+ has been for student mobility so far and Horizon Europe for excellent research: the visible expression of a distinctly European approach. With the growing responsibilities of universities for a resilient Europe, they need appropriate financial support.

support universities as lighthouses of our European way of life:
Higher education and research in Europe support our European way of life through their trifold focus on 1) quality and relevance for future-proof skills, 2) diversity and inclusion 3) democratic practices, fundamental rights and academic values and freedom of scientific research. Flexible and attractive academic careers, valuing teaching, research, entrepreneurship, management and leadership activities need to be promoted.

empower universities as actors of change in the twin green and digital transitions:
Support the full engagement of universities in unfolding green and digital transitions. The EU will only meet its ambitions on equipping more young people and lifelong learners with digital skills and skills for the green transition, or developing green solutions through technological and social innovation, if the higher education sector pulls its weight.

reinforce universities as drivers of the EU’s global role and leadership:
Through deeper international cooperation within Europe and beyond, support universities in becoming more outward looking and competitive on the global scene, and in contributing to the strengthening of higher education systems in partner countries, in line with European values. This will help in turn boosting Europe’s attractiveness not only as a study destination, but also as an attractive global partner for cooperation in education, research and innovation.

Dazu will die Kommission folgende vier Leitinitiativen zur Stärkung der europäischen Dimension in Hochschulbildung und Forschung setzen:

  • Ausbau der „European Universities Alliances„
  • Schaffung eines Statuts für Zusammenschlüsse von Hochschuleinrichtungen
  • Ein gemeinsamer europäischer Hochschulabschluss , der auf nationaler Ebene verliehen wird (z. B. im Rahmen von „European Universities Alliances“
  • Die allgemeine Verwendung der Europäischen Studentenkarte für alle mobilen Studierenden an europäischen Hochschulen

Auf der Website der Europäischen Kommission finden sich dazu nähere Informationen sowie die Mitteilung der Kommission im (englischen) Volltext.