European Council and member EU states could to do more in terms of enabling universities to be successful through regulatory frameworks, investments and direct funding of infrastructure, and staff upskilling.

The first 17 networks of institutions to form “inter-university campuses” across the EU and become part of the “European Universities” alliances have been announced by the European Commission.

Many countries in Europe have failed to repair cuts made to higher education since the 2008 financial crisis, despite experiencing economic recovery. Ireland, Italy and Spain are at lower levels than 2008.

In order to be more globally competitive, two of the French capital's most prestigious universities, Paris-Sorbonne and Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC) are becoming one.

The European University Association has created an interactive map documenting support for refugees in higher education across the region. Launched last month, the Refugees Welcome map currently displays 191 initiatives across Europe and further afield and is continuously being updated with new programmes.

The European University Association has called upon policy makers and education institutions across the region to enable refugee students to gain access to higher education, suggesting that bridging programmes are provided or developed for them.

International recruitment is driving overall enrolment growth at universities across Europe, according to the European University Association’s Trends 2015 report. Internationalisation is among the highest priorities for EU higher education institutions, it also found.