European Citizenship – Development, Scope, and Challenges

The University of Copenhagen is the oldest University in Denmark - founded in 1479, and with over 38,000 students and more than 9,000 employees. The purpose of the University is to conduct research and provide education to the highest academic level. Based in Denmark's capital city it is one of the top research institutions in Europe.

Established in 1816, the University of Warsaw is the largest university in Poland and a highly recognized research centre in the country. Its academic community comprises 7,600 employees, more than 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students and over 2,400 doctoral candidates. Besides 24 faculties, UW has also 30 academic and research centres. A wide range of studies in humanities, social, exact as well as natural sciences, including 24 programmes with English as a language of instruction, is provided by UW.

Established in 1924, the University of Milan (UNIMI) is a public teaching and research-intensive university marked by a wide variety of disciplinary fields. With over 60.000 students enrolled in 124 Bachelor and Master degree programmes, 9 Single-cycle programmes and 33 Doctoral Schools, it is the largest university in Lombardia, one of the most dynamic and internationally-oriented EU regions. The university is also a leading institution in Italy and Europe for scientific productivity.

Established in 1386, Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and one of Europe’s most research-intensive institutions. Its successes in the Excellence Competitions of the German federal and state governments and in internationally recognised rankings substantiate the leading role of Heidelberg University in the academic, scientific and research landscape. The university is committed to advancing exceptional individual disciplines, promoting dialogue beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, and turning research findings to good use for society and the economy. In this endeavour, it also relies on strong partners outside the university.

Sorbonne University is a multidisciplinary, research-intensive, world-class university. Located in the heart of Paris, with a regional presence, it is committed to the success of its students and to meeting the scientific challenges of the 21st century. In 2020, the University had 52,000 students and 800 PhD graduates. With 53 bachelors, 196 Master and 19 bi-disciplinary study programmes Sorbonne University covers a comprehensive range of subjects in the field of arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and medicine.

Charles University was founded in 1348, which makes it the oldest university in the Czech Republic one of the oldest universities in Europe. Nearly 50,000 students and doctoral candidates are currently enrolled in a total of 300 degree programmes. The University comprises a total of seventeen faculties, of which five are medical, three are theological, six are faculties of the humanities and social sciences, and three are dedicated to the sciences. The main seat of the University is in Prague, with other campuses in Pilsen and in Hradec Kralove.

4EU+ Alliance brings together six large, comprehensive, public European research universities with the aim to create a new, shared quality of cooperation in teaching, education, research and administration. The cooperation is based on a common understanding of the European university idea, building on academic freedom and autonomy and ensuring fair participation in education. 4EU+ develops a common challenge-based framework for education by designing flexible learning pathways and ensuring university graduates gain competencies combining critical thinking, data literacy, multilingualism, entrepreneurship and a strong societal engagement.