International higher education and research collaborations are key drivers of world-class knowledge production and innovation, serving as a cornerstone for economic development and global stability. While the EU already invests significantly in international cooperation, increasing funding is crucial to scaling up these efforts. Reducing support could weaken global partnerships, stifle innovation, and diminish the EU’s strategic influence as a key global player in a multipolar and increasingly volatile world.

The paper was co-developed and co-signed by the following organisations: AASU, ACU, British Council, DAAD, Danida Fellowship Centre, EDUFI, ERASuD, HK-dir, OBREAL, OeAD, The Guild, UNIMED and VLIRUOS.