This article presents a comparative study of the recent developments of the academic profession in European universities drawing on the results of a policy questionnaire. First, it outlines that the profession is highly diversified and hierarchical, with an unsolved gender issue. Second, it discusses the reasons behind its attractiveness, paying particular attention to the balance between duties and salaries. Third, it presents evidence regarding the evolution of the profession in the context of the broader changes operating in the European higher education arena. And finally, it highlights the political issues that are likely to shape the evolution of the profession in the coming years and the pending political agenda. (Contains 6 footnotes and 9 figures.)