EUNICE Alliance Advances Policy Framework
Ten groups work to shape the strategic direction.
The EUNICE European University Alliance is taking a major step toward reinforcing its governance and management structures through the development of a comprehensive Policy Framework. This initiative aims to establish clear, responsible decision-making processes and operational standards that will guide the Alliance’s strategic direction while upholding core values such as sustainability, inclusion, integrity, and international collaboration.
On November 25, coordinators of the Alliance’s 10 thematic policies working groups convened at the Université Catholique de Lille, an Associated Partner of EUNICE, to share progress on the policies they have been shaping over the past year. These policies will continue to be refined until spring 2026, followed by a thorough review by memebers of EUNICE Expert Advisory Board and Student Advisory Boards and legal advisors. Final approval by the General Assembly of Rectors is expected in 2027.
Key Policy Areas Under Development
As EUNICE Secretary General, Magdalena Sikorska, remarks “the work of these policy groups is ultimately about shaping the EUNICE Constitution — a document that will define our shared principles as well as transparent and responsible governance of the Alliance in a long term. By establishing common standards, we are building a framework that will support student learning and mobility, research collaboration, and societal engagement for years to come”, she said.
The Policy Framework approaches ten key areas that cover every aspect of university life:
- Mobility: Making it easier for students and staff to have an international experience, with more joint blended programmes and sustainable travel options, for educative purposes and internships.
- Access to Knowledge: Open Science & Education: Opening up research and learning materials for everyone. Commitments include FAIR data principles, shared repositories, co-created curricula, and standardised data management.
- Cultural Awareness & European Values: Promoting diversity and European citizenship through multilingual communication and value-driven curricula.
- Sustainability: Embedding environmental and social responsibility into teaching, operations, and governance: from fostering sustainability competences to reduction of energy use, emissions and waste.
- Inclusion strategy: Breaking down barriers—financial, physical, digital and pedagogical—so education is accessible to all. Local plans and participatory mechanisms aim to ensure context-sensitive implementation.
- Partnerships: Strengthening the collaboration model between EUNICE universities and Associated Partners.
- Scientific Integrity: Ensuring research across the Alliance meets shared standards of transparency and trust and aligns with the best practices on research integrity European principles established by the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA).
- Internationalisation: Expanding EUNICE global connections through coordinated funding applications, ethical partnerships and improved mobility pathways.
- Financial Sustainability: Building a resilient funding model that combines EU and national support, fundraising from private sector, and alumni engagement.
- Academic Recognition: Making credit transfer, micro-credentials and joint degrees transparent, simpler and faster for students.
