3rd European Universities Conference

It is our great honour to invite distinguished guests to the 3rd European Universities Conference, to be held on 20 May 2026 at  Poznan University of Technology.

The fact that we are convening for the third time demonstrates that Polish universities have not only successfully integrated into international alliance structures, but are increasingly becoming their key architects. This year’s event provides a platform for debate on the next stage of integration: the construction of a cohesive and sustainable ecosystem of knowledge and competencies.

The theme of this year's event is ‘Shaping the Future of European Universities - Integrated Knowledge, Capacity and Skills’, explored through three main thematic  strands that will form the foundation of our panels and discussions:

• Education | European Degree Label, flexible learning pathways and micro-credentials, Union of Skills, the Preparedness Union Strategy, skills of the future and EU competitiveness; strengthening the role of the education sector as a foundation for social and economic stability in the new financial perspective.
• Research and Innovation | Unlocking the full potential of synergies between Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, in order to maximise institutional impact; highlighting operational gaps between educational initiatives and research activities to ensure a seamless policy interface. 
• Responsible Internationalisation | Knowledge security vs. knowledge diplomacy: symmetry, balance, and transparency of cooperation, security and ethical considerations in international cooperation, managing geopolitical risks in international academic cooperation, while simultaneously safeguarding core academic values.

The establishment of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is an ongoing process. While didactic harmonisation, academic recognition based on the ECTS system, and joint  governance are becoming standard practice,  systemic barriers remain.

Our conference  provides a forum in which higher education institutions involved in alliances can collectively define challenges and showcase best practices. Are we ready for the full integration of knowledge and potential? We will  seek the answer to this question together during the forthcoming event.

Join the ranks of change leaders and help shape the future of European universities with us!

The European Universities Initiative, integrated into the Erasmus+ program in 2017, is currently the primary  driver of educational transformation across  the continent.

• Across Europe: There are currently 65 alliances comprising over 560 higher education institutions from 35 countries. This represents an unprecedented level of cooperation transcending national borders, scientific disciplines, and linguistic barriers. 
• In Poland: Our country is actively shaping this new reality. At present, 32 Polish universities participate in 30 international alliances. The momentum of this process is remarkable, as  demonstrated by the 2024 call for proposals, which welcomed an additional 9 institutions into this prestigious group of consortia.
   

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