Cultural Inclusivity of Higher Education in the EU. Are We Ready to Welcome a More Diverse Europe?

Higher education instituions in European countries have been promoting cultural inclusivity, in the context of increasing diversity. This study introduces the concept of cultural inclusivity in higher education, its importance, and its link to multiculturalism, economic equality, and social cohesion. The objective of the study is establishing a comparative framework to analyze how EU-member states integrate cultural diversity into their higher education systems. It focuses on a 5-year period (the academic years between 2020 and 2024). The research tests two hypotheses: H1: Cultural inclusivity of HEIs in the EU is a multidimensional construct that includes representation of all four dimensions: policy comprehensiveness, accessibility, equity, and socio-cultural impact. H2: Higher education systems in EU-27 countries demonstrate measurable improvements in cultural inclusivity from 2020 to 2024. Research method is a mixed-method approach - thematic analysis of secondary data from key European Commission documents, Eurostat data and relevant scientific literature. Data analysis is completed in the following steps: first, examining the EU policies supporting cultural inclusivity in higher education (policy comprehensiveness). Second, investigating how higher education systems ensure access for diverse groups and whether equity is achieved in participation (accessibility). Third, checking for available teaching strategies or curriculum design which ensures the training of academic lecturers on how to handle cultural diversity (equity). Fourth, discussing the broader socio-cultural impact of these practices. Results show that H1 is confirmed and H2 is partially confirmed.