Universities are placed strategically at the interplay of research and technological development, educational and regional development policies at both national and European level. Universities are also unique environments in which interdisciplinary skills are being developed to tackle the complex challenges facing human, social and economic development in the twenty-first century. Future European research policy should take more account of this unique role of universities in building the "knowledge society". The launching of the European Commission's "Green Paper on the Future of the European Research Area" in 2007 provided scope for a new recognition of the place of Europe's universities as key stakeholders and gave the European University Association an opportunity to bring university needs and perspectives into the policy debate on new instruments and initiatives required. (Contains 4 notes.)