Martikainen: “Investing in European Universities makes Europe stronger”
The Vice-President of EUNICE defended the contribution of research and education to the economic growth during the event “Shaping the Future: European Universities alliances for a Competitive Europe”
EUNICE European University attended the high-level meeting Shaping the Future: European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe in Brussels on 26-27 February 2025, adding its experience and perspective to defining future actions for cooperation in higher education in Europe.
Structured Dialogue with the European Commission
Minna Martikainen, Vice-President of EUNICE and Rector of the University of Vaasa (Finland), participated together with five other rectors in the panel discussion abou the future of Europe with Roxana Mînzatu, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Skills, Education, Quality Jobs and Social Rights, and former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta, who argued for the unifying potential of European Universities in Europe.
“Investing in these areas makes Europe stronger. If we do not invest in them, we will lose the battle in the field of knowledge and economic growth. These areas need both monetary and intellectual investment. And the tools are research and education,” said Martikainen.
The session brushed on the strategic role of alliances for the upcoming Union of Skills programme, highlighting their ability to usher in progress, change, and reduce fragmentation in European higher education. Martikainen shared EUNICE approach: “We need more goal orientation and financing to support the goals. The more we educate together – the more unite views we can create to our future”.
EUNICE European University Vice-President, Minna Martikainen.
The conference was organized by the European Commission and attended by representatives of all 65 European Universities alliances, members of the European Parliament, national and regional governments, student unions, and private sector leaders.
Discussions focused on alliances partnerships’ capacity to best enhance Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion. European Commission Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu and Former Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta contributed to the dialogue, with Letta emphasizing the necessity for the alliances to act as a unified force, rather than as separate entities, labelling them as a model for the defragmentation of the European Union.
Former Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta.
Breakout Session on Engaging Academic Communities
EUNICE was represented by Abdelhakim Artiba, President of EUNICE and Rector of Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France; Minna Martikainen, Vice-President Rector of the University of Vaasa; Magdalena Sikorska, Secretary General of EUNICE AISBL; Lucia Zappalà and Mariusz Głąbowski, President and Vice-President of EUNICE Board of Directors.
EUNICE participated in the breakout session “Embarking Academic Communities at Large on the Alliance Journey.” Magdalena Sikorska, Secretary General of EUNICE AISBL, addressed this topic by underlining the importance of internal communication and challenges related to it, sharing best practices on how to boost student and staff engagement – “In my viewpoint, effective internal communication within local academic communities can be more challenging than engaging external stakeholders. To enhance visibility and engagement, integrating into existing local events and activities is key. Furthermore, I believe that administrative staff, who provide continuity, play a crucial role in driving Alliances forward.”
Magdalena Sikorska, Secretary General of EUNICE AISBL; Mariusz Głąbowski, Vice-President of EUNICE Board of Directors; Iwona Jabłońska, Team Leader in EACEA (European Commission).
