On March 26, 2026, the European University Association (EUA), a prominent network representing over 900 universities across Europe, convened an inaugural in-person meeting of its newly formed Thematic Peer Group on 'Universities and democracy in times of polarisation' in Rijeka, Croatia. Hosted by the University of Rijeka (UNIRI), this gathering brought together 19 distinguished university leaders from 14 countries spanning the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The event marked a critical step in addressing the escalating challenges of societal and political polarisation that are increasingly infiltrating higher education institutions.

The dialogue underscored universities' pivotal role as bastions of critical thinking, open debate, and democratic values amid rising geopolitical tensions, declining trust in institutions, and generational shifts in perceptions of democracy. Participants exchanged insights on practical strategies to safeguard academic freedom, foster inclusive campuses, and reinforce universities' contributions to resilient societies.

Launch of the EUA Thematic Peer Group Initiative

The Thematic Peer Group (TPG) emerged from a call issued by EUA on January 13, 2026, inviting applications from university leaders to tackle the profound impacts of polarisation on higher education. This project responds to observable trends where political divisions are eroding the foundational principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy across Europe. The selection process prioritised geographical diversity, institutional variety—from comprehensive multi-faculty universities to specialised arts institutions—and leaders' proven expertise in navigating complex societal issues.

Prior to the Rijeka meeting, members held an online session in late February 2026, setting the stage for deeper in-person deliberations. Organised by EUA's Policy Coordination and Foresight team, the TPG aims to culminate in a practical toolkit for university leaders by the end of 2026, offering actionable guidance on managing polarisation-related pressures.

Diverse Representation: Leaders from 14 European Nations

The group's composition reflects the breadth of Europe's higher education landscape. Chaired by Sunniva Whittaker, EUA Board member and leader at the University of Agder in Norway, the participants hail from a mix of established powerhouses and emerging institutions. Notable attendees include:

• Herman Van Goethem from the University of Antwerp, Belgium
• Irena Vodopija-Krstanović from the University of Rijeka, Croatia (host representative)
• Bernold Hasenknopf from Sorbonne University, France
• Kakhaber Lazarashvili from East European University, Georgia
• Multiple German leaders: Ulrich Bartosch (University of Passau), Oliver Günther (University of Potsdam), Angelika Epple (Bielefeld University, EUA Board)
• Pio Fenton (Munster Technological University) and James Livesey (University of Galway), Ireland
• Francesco Costamagna (University of Turin) and Paola Catenaccio (University of Milan), Italy
• Donika Kamberi from State University of Tetova, North Macedonia
• Michal Markuszewski from Medical University of Gdánsk, Poland
• Ksenija Vidmar Horvat from University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
• Pau de Vílchez Moragues from University of the Balearic Islands, Spain
• Rebecka Lettevall (Malmö University) and Tora Holmberg (Umeå University), Sweden
• Florence Balthasar from Zurich University of the Arts, Switzerland

This diversity ensures a multifaceted perspective, encompassing Western, Eastern, Northern, and Southern Europe, as well as varying institutional missions.

Rising Polarisation: A Threat to European Higher Education

Political polarisation in Europe has intensified, with far-right and populist movements gaining ground in recent elections, exemplified by gains in France, Germany, and Italy. A 2025 study highlighted that ideological divides are widening, with 74% of young Europeans in Germany preferring private political discussions with friends over public forums, signaling eroded trust. Universities, traditionally neutral spaces for inquiry, now face pressures from external actors questioning curricula, research funding, and campus speech policies.

In the EHEA, threats to academic freedom have surged, with reports documenting over 100 incidents in 2025 alone, including government interventions in Hungary and Poland. EUA has repeatedly called for Europe to champion protections, noting global declines but emphasising homegrown European risks like subtle policy encroachments.

Core Discussions: Geopolitics, Trust, and Youth Disillusionment

Central to the Rijeka dialogue were the geopolitical ramifications of polarisation. Leaders debated managing international partnerships amid sanctions, boycotts, and shifting alliances, particularly with non-EU partners. The role of scientific diplomacy emerged as a counterforce, enabling universities to bridge divides through collaborative research on climate, health, and migration.

Trust deficits loomed large: within classrooms amid heated debates, between universities and society via reputational attacks, and in democratic values themselves. A key concern was the declining confidence among younger generations—surveys show only 55-60% of EU youth under 30 trust democracy, compared to 70% overall—placing a burden on universities to cultivate responsible citizenship.

Participants grappled with when universities should issue public statements, balancing institutional neutrality against moral imperatives, as seen in responses to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Practical Challenges and Vulnerabilities

Workshops focused on real-world cases: political interference in hiring, curriculum censorship, and funding cuts tied to ideological alignment. Eastern European leaders highlighted hybrid threats like disinformation campaigns targeting academia, while Western counterparts discussed 'cancel culture' dynamics on campuses. The vulnerability of specialised institutions, such as arts universities, was noted, where creative expression intersects sharply with societal divides.

For instance, Georgia's representative addressed pressures from authoritarian influences, echoing broader EHEA concerns documented in the Academic Freedom Monitor 2025, which flagged risks in 20+ countries.

Universities as Anchors of Democratic Dialogue

Universities were affirmed as essential for nurturing critical thinking and pluralism. Strategies discussed included enhancing civic education curricula, expanding debate forums, and training staff in dialogue facilitation. Peer learning highlighted successes like Ireland's community engagement models and Sweden's inclusive governance practices.

A recurring theme: universities must model democratic behaviour internally—through transparent decision-making and diverse representation—to credibly advocate externally. Links to EUA's 'Universities without walls' vision emphasise borderless collaboration to counter insularity.EUA's 2030 vision

Pathways Forward: Building the Leadership Toolkit

The TPG's work will produce a toolkit distilling best practices: risk assessment frameworks, communication protocols, partnership vetting guidelines, and youth engagement toolkits. Expected by late 2026, it will equip leaders to navigate pressures proactively.

Integration with broader EUA efforts, like the Institutional Evaluation Programme, will amplify impact. Participants committed to ongoing virtual and in-person exchanges, feeding into EUA's 2026 Annual Conference.

Implications for European Higher Education

This initiative signals a proactive stance amid crises: post-Brexit funding strains, migration debates, and AI ethics divides exacerbate polarisation. By fostering peer solidarity, EUA bolsters resilience, ensuring universities remain engines of progress.

For students and faculty, it promises safer spaces for inquiry; for society, renewed faith in evidence-based discourse. As Europe faces 2026 elections, universities' democratic role is more vital than ever.

Explore opportunities in European academia via AcademicJobs.com's Europe section.

Photo by Ozren Cuculic on Unsplash

Global Context and Future Outlook

While Europe-focused, parallels exist worldwide—from US campus protests to Asian autonomy erosions. EUA's toolkit could inspire global adaptations. Looking ahead, sustained investment in academic freedom via EU policies is crucial, with calls for dedicated funding streams.

Optimism prevails: universities' adaptability, evidenced by pandemic pivots, positions them to lead. The Rijeka dialogue exemplifies collective resolve, paving pathways to a more cohesive Europe.