eucen Solidarity Fund

The eucen Solidarity Fund is an initiative created to support higher education institutions facing structural, economic, or contextual challenges that may limit their capacity to engage fully in the eucen network. Through this initiative, eucen seeks to promote solidarity, inclusiveness, and equitable participation among its members and partners.

The Fund provides support to selected institutions to facilitate their active involvement in eucen activities, strengthen collaboration within the network, and encourage the development of continuing and lifelong learning initiatives in diverse contexts.

Each year, up to four institutions will be selected as beneficiaries through an annual Call for Candidates and formally announced at the eucen Annual Conference.

Solidarity Fund Protocol

The Solidarity Fund Protocol defines the Fund’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and selection procedures, providing the framework for its implementation.

Read the full Solidarity Fund Protocol.

Annual Call

The Solidarity Fund operates through an annual Call that sets out the application procedure and key dates for each edition.

The 2027 Call for Beneficiaries published on 15 October 2026, has opened the first full application cycle under the new framework.

Applications are now accepted until 15 February 2027. Please consult the annual Call and Protocol carefully before submitting your application.

eucen Solidarity Fund Beneficiaries 2026

University of Belgrade
Serbia

Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM)
Moldova

Al-Quds Open University
Palestine

"Receiving the EUCEN Solidarity Fund is more than financial support; it is a powerful message of solidarity, partnership, and shared commitment to lifelong learning in times of uncertainty. In Palestine, where education continues to be a source of resilience, hope, and recovery, this support strengthens our ability to serve learners and communities and reinforces our belief that education remains one of the strongest foundations for rebuilding and sustainable development."

“The eucen Solidarity Fund represents far more than financial assistance. At a time when the University of Belgrade is under considerable pressure, this gesture sends a powerful message that academic solidarity transcends borders. It reminds us that we are not alone, and that the European higher education community stands together in defending academic freedom, lifelong learning, and the public mission of universities. We are deeply grateful for this support.”

"The eucen Solidarity Fund is more than financial support—it is an opportunity to bring European ideas back to institutional practice. At the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, we are strengthening lifelong learning as a driver of both employability and social inclusion, with a particular focus on developing dual higher education and stronger partnerships with employers. As a university in an EU candidate country, participating in the eucen Autumn Seminar will help us translate European experience into concrete actions that benefit our students, our community, and the wider higher education system. For me, the Solidarity Fund represents not only access to a valuable professional network, but also a responsibility to turn knowledge into lasting institutional change."

Note: As part of the programme’s establishment phase and celebrating eucen’s 35 year anniversary, the 2026 beneficiaries have been selected directly by the eucen Steering Committee. From 2027 onwards, beneficiaries will be chosen through a public annual open call procedure, with an impartial jury.