European universities are facing a backlash against internationalization that threatens previous policies promoting student mobility. The Bologna Process had initially encouraged seamless movement and increased English-taught programmes, but recent shifts in political sentiment are impacting higher education. In Norway, concerns about English overshadowing Norwegian led to stricter language rules for research staff, while the Netherlands is enacting reforms to prioritize Dutch in bachelor's programmes. These changes, influenced by rising nationalist sentiments and immigration policies, reveal the tensions universities face between maintaining global competitiveness and addressing domestic political pressures.
"Universities find themselves caught between these pressures, trying to maintain international openness and competitiveness while responding to domestic political concerns."
In 2024, the Dutch government proposed the Internationalisation in Balance bill, requiring that Dutch be the default language for teaching in bachelor’s programmes.
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