Let P be the set of generalized prime numbers, and ζP(s), s=σ+it, denote the Beurling zeta-function associated with P. In the paper, we consider the approximation of analytic functions by using shifts ζP(s+iτ), τ∈R. We assume the classical axioms for the number of generalized integers and the mean of the generalized von Mangoldt function, the linear independence of the set {logp:p∈P}, and the existence of a bounded mean square for ζP(s). Under the above hypotheses, we obtain the universality of the function ζP(s). This means that the set of shifts ζP(s+iτ) approximating a given analytic function defined on a certain strip σ^<σ<1 has a positive lower density. This result opens a new chapter in the theory of Beurling zeta functions. Moreover, it supports the Linnik–Ibragimov conjecture on the universality of Dirichlet series.For the proof, a probabilistic approach is applied.