European University Networks (EUN) – national initiative
Europe matters! In July 2019, the European Commission selected the first “European Universities”. Their aim is to enhance the quality, attractiveness and competitiveness of European higher education institutions and contribute significantly to a united and strong Europe. The DAAD is supporting this European initiative with an accompanying national programme for German higher education institutions.
Context of the programme
“European University Networks (EUN) – national initiative” is the accompanying national programme for German higher education institutions in the context of the EU pilot call for “European Universities”. Flanking the EU initiative, the programme supports German higher education institutions as they embark on the dynamic process of shaping “European Universities”.
German higher education institutions in EU-funded consortia can apply for additional financial support. Eligible higher education institutions will be invited by the DAAD to submit project applications.
In order to systematically and efficiently support the German higher education institutions on their journey to becoming “European Universities” the DAAD will accompany the programme with a range of flanking measures. This includes various exchange, networking and information offers for universities, political actors and the interested public.
Programme objectives
The accompanying national programme is closely interlinked with the EU initiative “European Universities”. It specifically supports German higher education institutions within their European university networks and the DAAD assists them in (further) expanding their existing alliances in teaching, research and third mission. The funding programme also aims to strengthen the European dimension of German higher education institutions.
On an overarching level the programme is moreover intended to contribute significantly to achieving the goals of the EU initiative:
- Improved performance and international competitiveness of the European higher education system with a strong knowledge triangle of education, research and innovation
- Support for a united and strong Europe and a new generation of Europeans
Project administration - Information and resources
The German universities eligible to apply for the accompanying national programme in the respective funding period have been contacted by DAAD.
Funding period 2025 to 2028
Funding guidelines “European University Networks (EUN) - national initiative” (2025-2028) (German only).
Information sheet “Informationen zu den zuwendungsfähigen Ausgaben” (German only).
Information sheet “Mobility with a disability/chronic illness”
Funding Period 2024 to 2027
Funding guidelines “European University Networks (EUN) - national initiative” (2024-2027) (German only)
Information sheet “Informationen zu den zuwendungsfähigen Ausgaben” (German only)
Information sheet “Mobility with a disability/chronic illness”
Funding period 2023 to 2026
- Funding guidelines “European University Networks (EUN) - national initiative” (2023-2026) (German only)
- Information sheet “Informationen zu den zuwendungsfähigen Ausgaben” (German only)
- Information sheet “Mobility with a disability/chronic illness”
Funding period 2021 to 2023
European University Networks in focus: reports, press releases and interviews
Further information on the EU initiative "European Universities"
Eberbach Statement: Appeal to strengthen European Values in Higher Education (June 2020)
Main results of the 2nd survey among the higher education institutions funded in the national accompanying programme
European Universities Theme Weeks provide insights into the diverse engagement of German higher education institutions involved in European University alliances (May 2022 and May 2023)
All links lead to German-language content.
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