Europeanizing Universities: A Catalyst for Social Cohesion and Sustainable Economic Development

This paper explores the transformative potential of intra-EU student mobility as a cornerstone for fostering social cohesion, economic resilience, and pan-European identity. By analyzing historical trajectories, policy frameworks (e.g., Erasmus+), and case studies from Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, and Eastern Europe, we argue that achieving 50% intra-EU student mobility by 2035 could counteract nationalist fragmentation, address labor shortages, and catalyze innovation. However, systemic challenges–brain drain, political resistance, linguistic tensions, and funding inequities–necessitate asymmetric funding models, retention incentives, and phased implementation. Drawing on empirical data and policy evaluations, this study proposes a roadmap for harmonizing EU higher education while mitigating regional disparities. While moving forward towards more mobility attention needs to be paid in national policies for national concerns.