INSPIRE
INSPIRE supports the implementation of the Principles and Guidelines to Strengthen the Social Dimension of Higher Education (PAGs) across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). It addresses challenges in access, equity, and inclusion through evidence-based collaboration, assisting the BFUG’s TPG D on Social Dimension and helping EHEA member states advance inclusive policies for diverse and underrepresented student populations.
Building on the Yerevan (2015), Rome (2020), and Tirana (2024) Communiqués, the project emphasizes practical tools and strategies to tackle inequalities, mental health, housing costs, and discrimination. Aligned with Erasmus+ priorities and the European Strategy for Universities, INSPIRE promotes inclusivity in higher education by addressing socio- economic, health, and cultural barriers.
Through peer learning, country reviews, actionable toolkits, and collaboration, INSPIRE aims to close implementation gaps, advance measurable progress for the 2027 social dimension report, and foster a more inclusive and sustainable European higher education system.
Aim
The aim of INSPIRE is to make the social dimension a defining feature of higher education across the European Higher Education Area. The project focuses on turning political commitments into action, equipping governments, institutions and students with the tools to address inequality and create inclusive systems. It seeks to remove barriers linked to socio-economic background, health, housing and discrimination, ensuring that all learners have a fair chance to access, participate in and succeed in higher education.
Main Objectives
INSPIRE will connect countries and stakeholders in a space of exchange and cooperation, encouraging dialogue and the transfer of good practices. National strategies will be reinforced through country reviews that help identify progress, gaps and clear directions for improvement.
Practical resources and toolkits will be developed to bring the Principles and Guidelines closer to implementation, offering concrete guidance for policymakers and institutions. The project also aims to support the Bologna Process and the 2027 Implementation Report, ensuring that the social dimension is embedded as a measurable and lasting achievement across the EHEA.
News and Events
Call for expressions of interest: Country reviews on the social dimension of higher education
We are pleased to invite all European Higher Education Area (EHEA) member states to express their interest in participating in a country review of their social dimension policy in 2026, as part of the Erasmus+ project INSPIRE – Inclusive National Strategies for the Implementation of EHEA Principles for the Social Dimension.
How does the expression of interest work? Please send your expression of interest (and/or any questions) to the INSPIRE project Coordinator and the BFUG TPG-D Co-Chair: secretariat@esu-online.org by 15 November 2025, stating why your ministry is interested in a country review, the current stage of development of your social dimension policy and whether you have any specific questions for the INSPIRE project team to consider. Please attach any relevant documents that contain information on your national policy of social dimension in higher education. The INSPIRE project provides funding for three country reviews. If there are more than three applications, a selection will be made. Priority will be given to countries whose social dimension policies are at a more advanced stage of implementation and offer lessons transferable to other EHEA members. Regional diversity will also be considered. The 3 selected countries will be announced at the BFUG Meeting on 15-16 December 2025 in Copenhagen.
Reports and Policy Papers
Report on Peer Learning Activity – Inclusive national strategies for the implementation of EHEA principles for the social dimension
Report on Peer Learning Activity – “We make a change’: Making institutional cultures in higher education more inclusive”
Country Review on Social Dimension Policy in Higher Education in Austria
The INSPIRE Country Review Team was in Austria for the Country Review on Social Dimension Policy in Higher Education from 18-22 May 2026.
When
18–22 May 2026
Where
Vienna and Linz
Focus
Equity, inclusion and the social dimension of higher education
What are Country Reviews?
Country Reviews provide EHEA member states with expert feedback on their social dimension policies and their implementation. The review process is based on interviews with national stakeholders, complemented by the analysis of existing data and policy documents.
Who are the review experts?
The review team brings together experts with extensive experience in higher education policy from across the European Higher Education Area:
Ligia Deca from Romania, Vice-Rector and former Minister of Education; Thomas Boland from Ireland, international education consultant and former Chief Executive of Ireland’s Higher Education Authority; Iris Kimizoglu from Germany, higher education policy expert and former Vice-President/President of the European Students’ Union; Martin Unger from Austria, senior researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies; Ninoslav Scukanec Schmidt from Croatia, CEO of the Institute for the Development of Education and former Co-Chair of the BFUG Working Group on Social Dimension.
What has happened during the visit?
he team has met with representatives of the Austrian Federal Ministry responsible for higher education, higher education institutions, student organisations, quality assurance bodies, social partners and other key stakeholders. The team also had an interview with the Austrian federal Minister responsible for higher education and research Ms Eva-Maria Holzleitner on 18 May 2026 in Vienna.
What is the purpose?
The review is not an evaluation. It is a process of evidence-informed international expert feedback, which will contribute to a final Country Review report with recommendations for further policy development.
Who organises the Country Review?
The Country Review is organised by the Institute for the Development of Education (IDE) on behalf of the Erasmus+ project INSPIRE, in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF) of the Republic of Austria and the Austrian Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS). The Erasmus+ project ‘INSPIRE – Inclusive National Strategies for the Implementation of European Higher Education Area Principles for the Social Dimension’ supports the Bologna Follow-up Group’s work on social dimension.