The coronavirus crisis hit Europe by surprise, and it will have a considerable impact on EU policies including those with relevance for universities. This webinar will give insight into the immediate European-level reactions, as well as the possible medium- and long-term consequences.

While the situation varies in different countries, all have to adapt to the confinement and physical distancing measures taken across Europe, presenting unpreceded challenges to society and the economy. Universities are being impacted in several ways. They have had to quickly expand online provision, and many of their researchers and doctors in university hospitals are at the forefront of combating the virus. For university cooperation and international student and staff mobility, often happening through EU programmes, the situation represents a significant challenge as well.

European solidarity and cooperation are much needed in tackling the crisis and the EU has developed a coordinated response at several levels, including support for research and innovation and flexibility measures for EU funding programmes.

This webinar will provide an overview of EU level measures taken in areas of direct importance to universities, such as the EU funding programmes Erasmus+, Horizon 2020 and European Structural and Investment Funds. It will also discuss the likely future impact of the crisis on EU policies for research, innovation and higher education.

It will be of interest to those working on these issues in universities and national university associations. The webinar is an exclusive service to EUA members. Registration is therefore restricted to staff and students from EUA members only and will be provided free of charge. If you work or study at an EUA member organisation and would like to register, but did not receive the invitation by e-mail, please contact events@eua.eu

Programme

• Introduction by EUA
• Apostolia Karameli, Head of Unit, Academic Research and Innovation, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, European Commission: an overview of EU support for research and innovation related to the coronavirus crisis and an outlook on the likely impact on future EU research policy
• Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Head of Unit, Higher Education, Directorate General for Education and Culture, European Commission: an overview of EU action in higher education in response to the coronavirus crisis and an outlook on the likely impact on future EU higher education policy
• Peter Berkowitz, Head of Unit, Smart and Sustainable Growth, Drectorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission: the role of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) in the EU’s response to the coronavirus crisis and the likely impact for ESIF support towards research, innovation and education
• Q&A and discussion with participants