Professor Teofil Jesionowski, rector of Poznań University of Technology, represented EUNICE alliance in the opening panel of the 3rd Forum of European Universities Alliances, celebrated in Poland between 12 and 13 June, 2025, under the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, alongside other colleagues from the European Commission, the European University Association (EUA), and FOREU4ALL. The Forum hosted by the University of Wrocław brought together representatives of 65 European university alliances, the European University Association, national agencies and European Commission representatives (including Ms. Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen – Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture and Ms Vanessa Debiais-Sainton – member of cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Minzatu) to discuss the achievements and future direction of the European Universities Initiative.
As the only public university in Poland coordinating a European alliance, Poznań University of Technology offered an important perspective. Rector Jesionowski shared how being part of EUNICE European University has allowed the university to enter into conversations on the future of higher education in Poland. His speech highlighted how the alliance model has opened new doors for students, staff, and institutional collaboration – “Education is a foundation of Europe, not only for today but also for a better future.”
Key themes: The impacts of the initiative and its challenges
Speakers shared insights on how the initiative had strengthened institutional collaboration, helped in the creation of joint programs, and expanded opportunities for students and staff mobility.
The conversation focused on long-term sustainability in terms of funding, limited resources, the need for stronger partner engagement, and limited visibility of the initiative among students. While over half of Europe’s students study at universities within alliances, there is still a gap to be filled in terms of awareness and involvement.
High-level bilateral dialogue
A key highlight for EUNICE was the possibility of a bilateral meeting between Rector Jesionowski and Ms. Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen from the European Commission, who also delivered the opening keynote. This meeting gave EUNICE the opportunity to present its accomplishments, discuss challenges, and reinforce the alliance’s role in shaping the future of the European Education Area.
Common European Degree
In another panel session, Prof. Mariusz Głąbowski, Vice-Rector at PUT and Vice-President of EUNICE AISBL, participated in the panel on the blueprint for a European Degree. He highlighted the importance of common European degrees as a crucial step towards a more unified and recognizable European academic space.
The Forum also featured thematic panels on skills development, sustainable funding, stakeholder engagement, and the future of the initiative. A concluding session outlined how alliances can act as role models for transformation, promoting institutional diversity and innovation across the European Higher Education Area.
