To attract talented people and retain them in academic careers, higher education must offer competitive working conditions, where staff can

• thrive in a community where teaching and other non-research academic activities are valued on an equal footing with research, and where they are supported in their academic mission
• succeed, regardless of their background
• enjoy academic freedom in line with the principles of a democratic, open, fair, and inclusive society

As part of a policy package to facilitate transnational cooperation between European higher education institutions, the Council adopted a Recommendation on attractive and sustainable careers in higher education, based on a proposal from the European Commission.

Council Recommendation

The Council recommends that EU countries

• ensure that national/regional higher education systems address the uneven recognition of the diverse roles staff take on in addition to research. Examples are teaching, transnational cooperation, entrepreneurship and innovation, business and community engagement, as well as participation in institutional governance
• attract and retain talent in academia, including by creating an inclusive and safe working environment
• encourage and support the engagement of academic and professional services staff in deeper transnational cooperation activities