Open up the purses

The ERA and EEA need financial support to meet lofty political goals

Observing higher education policy can feel like watching the Eurovision Song Contest: most people avoid committing their support until the last minute. But once votes have been cast, everyone knew all along who would be the winner. 

The European Research Area (ERA) and European Education Area (EEA) mimic left-field entries to Eurovision—held last weekend under the slogan ‘Let’s open up, again’, and won by Italy. Years have gone into their crafting and both initiatives gathered a small choir of ardent supporters along the way. Now that they are successful, their most vocal critics have turned into passionate fans.