Who we are

The European University Association (EUA) represents more than 870 universities and national rectors’ conferences in 49 European countries. EUA plays a crucial role in the Bologna Process and in influencing EU policies on higher education, research and innovation. Through continuous interaction with a range of other European and international organisations, EUA ensures that the independent voice of European universities is heard.

What we do

EUA provides unrivalled opportunities for members to share best practices by participating in projects, events and other mutual-learning activities involving a wide range of universities. The Association also provides members with unique opportunities to shape European policies and initiatives affecting higher education and research.

Sustainability

Universities in Europe and around the world are crucial to global sustainable development. Therefore, the Association supports the worldwide agenda for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Universities contribute to the goals through research and education in a wide array of disciplines that can potentially contribute to a better future.

EUA supports its members in the achievement of the SDGs through advocacy and project work and serves as member of SDG Watch Europe. EUA also recognises the importance of the SDGs in its Strategic Plan.

Related documents

Our vision

EUA is the largest and most comprehensive organisation representing universities in Europe. 17 million students are enrolled at EUA member universities. These universities support the development of the continent’s cultures, societies and economies. EUA’s vision for Europe’s universities is a system of highly-diverse and autonomous academic institutions that engage in excellent research, provide a wide spectrum of qualifications and facilitate the mobility of staff and students. 

  • Our mission and activities

    EUA is the largest and most comprehensive organisation representing universities in Europe. 17 million students are enrolled at EUA member universities. These universities support the development of the continent’s cultures, societies and economies. EUA’s vision for Europe’s universities is a system of highly-diverse and autonomous academic institutions that engage in excellent research, provide a wide spectrum of qualifications and facilitate the mobility of staff and students. 

  • Our history

    EUA was formed in 2001 as the result of a merger between the Association of European Universities (CRE) and the Confederation of European Union Rectors’ Conferences.

    EUA fully upholds the values and principles enshrined in the Magna Charta Universitatum, signed in Bologna in 1988 by 388 rectors of universities worldwide. The archival documents of the Standing Conference of Rectors, Presidents and Vice Chancellors of the European Universities (Conférence des Recteurs européens) is open for consultation at the Historical Archives of the European Union in Florence (HAEU).

  • Celebrating 20 years of European university collaboration

    In 2021, EUA was very pleased to unite members in a year-long celebration of its 20th anniversary. With 800 universities and 33 national rectors’ conferences in 48 European countries at the time of the anniversary, the Association has grown over the years to become one of the largest higher education representative bodies in the world.

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