One of them examines growing pressures on democracy in Europe, including political polarization, radicalization and democratic backsliding.

The Democracy Under Pressure: European Perspectives on Radicalization and Democratic Erosion project is a four-university collaboration led by the University of Mannheim, together with Universitat Ramon Llull in Barcelona, Université Toulouse Capitole and Tilburg University.

The interdisciplinary course brings together sociology, political science, law and media studies. It explores how democratic systems and norms are challenged in different European contexts.

“We are seeing increasing polarization and the spread of anti-democratic narratives across Europe,” says Nina Fadarkhan Osenbrügge, project lead and academic staff member at the University of Mannheim. “Students need tools to understand these developments in a broader European perspective,” she adds.

The course is designed for advanced bachelor’s students, and they will work in international groups and take part in joint online sessions. They will examine topics such as extremism, misinformation, migration debates and the role of social media in shaping political attitudes.

Understanding labor law in a changing Europe

A second funded initiative focuses on labour law in Europe, aimed at master’s students. The CICLLE project, Contemporary Issues in Comparative Labour Law in Europe, is developed by Université Toulouse Capitole, in collaboration with Tilburg University and WU Vienna University of Economics and Business.

The course will be delivered in a fully digital, cross-border format, bringing together students and faculty from all partner universities through joint online lectures, workshops and international group work. It is planned to launch in spring 2027 and will be embedded in existing master’s programmes.

“Labour law has evolved very rapidly over the past 20 years and now faces major challenges,” says Frédéric Guiomard, project lead and Professor of Labour Law at Université Toulouse Capitole.

“Algorithmic management, climate transition, precarity and demographic change all raise fundamental questions about the future of the European social model,” he adds.

The course examines how national labour law systems respond to shared transformations such as artificial intelligence, platform work and changes in collective bargaining.

“The aim is to help students understand both the diversity of systems and the common transformations they are undergoing,” says Guiomard.

Innovative teaching format to strengthen Europe

Both initiatives highlight ENGAGE.EU’s ambition to strengthen cross-border collaboration in higher education. Students are brought together in international teams to work on real societal and legal challenges.

“Opportunities such as the ENGAGE.EU seed funding are extremely valuable because they make ambitious international teaching collaborations possible at an early stage,” says Fadarkhan.

In total, five ENGAGE.EU incubator projects have received funding in this round, covering topics ranging from sustainability and management education to intercultural learning and family business.

All five aim to develop innovative teaching formats and strengthen cooperation across European universities.

A list of all funded incubator initiatives: