This publication presents an institutional perspective on the state of university finances in Europe. Drawing on findings from a large-scale survey on the financial sustainability of universities, it offers a key evidence base, gathering insights from institutions across Europe. While EUA's research indicates that funding trends have been largely positive across Europe over the last five years, universities are generally pessimistic about the prospects for further government investment in the near future. Recent cuts in public funding in several countries and continued global political tensions point to a volatility that challenges the prevailing 'growth' model experienced by the university sector until now, and call for a reassessment of financial strategies. Strengthening financial resilience means developing comprehensive strategies that integrate income diversification, efficiency measures, internal capacity building and strategic prioritisation of activities. Equally important is the development of leadership and management capacity within institutions. In the current funding landscape, universities need leaders who can navigate complexity, make difficult decisions and drive institutional transformation. This paper, the first in a series of briefings that will support universities and their leaders in preparing for a complex and challenging financial environment, highlights expectations for income growth or decline and outlines critical strategies for financial resilience.