The European University Association has called for public investment in virtual reality (VR) technologies to meet the needs of academia and society. While VR is increasingly used in research and education, private investment alone is insufficient to underpin the necessary physical and digital infrastructure, and ambitious public investment is required. The EUA also recommends additional support for universities to develop and access public virtual infrastructures and commercial options, as well as EU-level standards for virtual technologies to promote access, interoperability, and privacy. The suggestions were submitted as input to a European Commission consultation on emerging virtual worlds, which is expected to result in proposals for the EU policies on such technologies.