Laurea joins the European University As­so­ci­a­tion (EUA)

As of the beginning of 2025, Laurea University of Applied Sciences has become a member of the European University Association (EUA). Membership in EUA provides an opportunity for more active involvement in shaping the future of higher education in Europe. The EUA is a community of European universities, with over 900 full and associated members today.

Laurea’s vision is to be an internationally competitive university of applied sciences, which requires strengthening international and European strategic partnerships, as well as developing broad-based ecosystem cooperation with public, private, and third-sector actors.

– Many of our European partner universities have been members of EUA for some time, so joining this esteemed organization creates further opportunities to deepen our cooperation at the European level, says Laurea’s CEO, President Jouni Koski.

EUA brings together European Uni­ver­si­ties and their national rector con­fer­ences

The European University Association is an advocacy organization representing higher education institutions and their national rector conferences from 49 European countries. EUA plays a key role in the Bologna Process and in influencing EU policies related to higher education, research, and innovation.

– EUA supports European universities by bringing together their leadership and experts, creating sustainable partnerships, and offering extensive evidence-based knowledge that promotes the strategic development of higher education, summarizes Koski.

Through its interactions, EUA ensures that European universities have the opportunity to influence decisions affecting their operations, alongside many other European and international organizations. The association provides unique expertise in higher education and research, as well as a forum for peer learning, the exchange of ideas, and best practices among universities. EUA's research and development work is shared with members and stakeholders through events, publications, and online platforms.

– For us at Laurea, it is also important that EUA not only facilitates European-level university cooperation but also actively builds relationships with universities globally, promoting global discussions on higher education and research, emphasizes Koski.

Furthermore, EUA influences key policymakers at European, national, and regional levels. It represents the sector at various political forums, including European Union institutions, the Bologna Process, and the Council of Europe. EUA’s political work focuses on issues affecting the sector, as well as the role of universities in addressing global challenges and achieving international goals. EUA’s mission is to promote policies that strengthen universities' roles within Europe’s knowledge and innovation system.

– At Laurea, we see great added value in that under EUA’s leadership, we can collectively identify opportunities and threats affecting society and higher education, and, together with our dedicated membership, find timely solutions, says Koski.

More information about the European University Association's activities

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