The European University Foundation (EUF), based near Luxembourg City at the Château de Munsbach, was founded following a proposal in 1999 by former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl to reinvigorate higher education cooperation within the European Union. The organisation was officially launched in June 2001 under the patronage of Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker and Science Minister Erna Hennicot-Schoepges. Early efforts included expert groups from several universities focusing on pilot projects in humanities, natural sciences, medicine, law, engineering, business, and teacher training, aiming to foster structured student mobility across Europe.
The EUF operates as an association of public universities that convene annually at the Council of Rectors, its main decision-making body. Founding universities hold voting power and help set the network's direction. From its inception, funding sources included notable foundations and private contributors, with the Luxembourg government later providing continued support and premises.
Currently, the EUF’s activities cover policy advocacy for high-quality student mobility, and the development of initiatives aimed at enhancing academic cooperation. It works on practical projects, such as developing digital tools to streamline student mobility and harmonise administrative procedures between universities. For example, the EUF has contributed to projects related to digitalization of mobility administration, mutual recognition of student accomplishments, and alignment with European higher education priorities.
The foundation continues to bring together universities from across Europe, facilitating cooperation, piloting new approaches to student exchange, and influencing policy at the European level.