References on European University Initiative
- Council Recommendation: Building Bridges for Effective European Higher Education Cooperation (2022)
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This document sets out the European Commission’s proposal for a Council Recommendation aimed at strengthening and simplifying cross‑border cooperation between higher education institutions. It is closely linked to the development of the European University Alliances, offering concrete measures to remove legal and administrative barriers that hinder transnational partnerships.
Key focus areas include:- establishing common frameworks for joint and double degrees as well as inter‑European campuses,
- ensuring mutual recognition of qualifications and study periods,
- creating an enabling environment for shared legal structures among universities from different Member States.
This proposal lays the groundwork for deeper, more ambitious collaboration within the European Higher Education Area, with the European University Alliances as a flagship initiative.
Reference: European Commission. (2022). Proposal for a Council Recommendation on building bridges for effective European higher education cooperation (COM(2022) 16 final). Brussels: European Commission. Accesible at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/proposal-council-recommendation-bridges-european-higher-education-cooperation.pdf.
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- Communication: A European Strategy for Universities (2022)
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This official communication from the European Commission presents the European Strategy for Universities, a comprehensive roadmap to empower European higher education to meet future challenges. It underscores the central role of universities in building a stronger, more united, and innovative Europe, aligned with the EU’s values and strategic objectives.
Key focus areas include:- Reinforcing universities as beacons of European values, diversity, and inclusion,
- Enabling universities to deliver excellence in education, research, and innovation,
- Supporting universities as drivers of the green and digital transitions,
- Boosting universities’ global engagement and international cooperation.
This strategy sets the policy context in which European University Alliances are developed as a flagship instrument for deeper transnational collaboration and integrated missions across Europe.
Reference: European Commission. (2022). Communication on a European strategy for universities (COM(2022) 16 final). Brussels: European Commission. Accessible at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/communication-european-strategy-for-universities.pdf
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- Staff Working Document: Accompanying the Higher Education Package (2022)
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This staff working document accompanies the European Commission’s higher education package, providing detailed analysis and background to support the European Strategy for Universities and the proposal for a Council Recommendation on cooperation in higher education. It offers data, context, and evidence to explain why stronger and more integrated European higher education is needed.
Key focus areas include:- Mapping current challenges and trends in the European Higher Education Area,
- Highlighting barriers to transnational cooperation between institutions,
- Presenting evidence and examples that underpin the policy proposals in the strategy,
- Exploring how initiatives like the European University Alliances can address systemic issues.
This document serves as an in‑depth reference for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders looking to understand the reasoning and data behind the EU’s actions to foster cooperation and innovation in higher education.
Reference: European Commission. (2022). Commission Staff Working Document: Accompanying the Higher Education Package (SWD(2022) 6 final). Brussels: European Commission. Accessible at: https://education.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2022-01/accompanying-staff-working-document-higher-education-package.pdf
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- Forum of European University Alliances : Summary (2025)
- The "Forum of European University Alliances Summary" document encapsulates the discussions and outcomes of the 3rd Forum held on June 12–13, 2025, at the University of Wrocław, Poland. Organized under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the event brought together over 300 participants, including representatives from 73 European University Alliances, the European Commission, and key stakeholders in higher education .
The forum commenced with an acknowledgment of the European Universities Initiative's (EUI) success and its pivotal role in shaping Europe's future. Discussions highlighted the initiative's growth to 65 alliances, encompassing nearly 750 higher education institutions and over 11 million students. Concrete achievements include the establishment of over 600 joint study programs and innovative curricula addressing challenges such as the green and digital transitions .
Key sessions focused on various aspects of the EUI, including:
Session 1: The impact of European University alliances and best practices in tackling shared challenges.
Session 2: Union of Skills Initiative: Key priorities for European University Alliances in shaping the future competitiveness of the EU.
Session 3: The future of European Universities Initiative – paving the way towards sustainable funding.
Session 4: Optimising impact with and for external stakeholders.
Session 5: Research and innovation dimension, Students in the centre of EUI, From European University to European Degree.
Session 6: EUI as a role model for systemic transformation .
Reference: University of Wrocław. (2025). Forum of European University Alliances summary. Accessible at: https://international.uni.wroc.pl/sites/default/files/2025-06/Forum%20of%20European%20University%20Alliances%20Summary.pdf.
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