FilmEU at the High-Level Meeting on European Universities Alliances
FilmEU was well represented at the recent high-level meeting, Shaping the Future: European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe, which took place on 26–27 February. The event brought together key figures from across Europe to discuss the progress, challenges, and future direction of the European Universities initiative.
At the Rectors' Meeting, FilmEU was represented by Professor José Bragança de Miranda, Rector of Lusófona University, and Dr. Simon Van Damme, Rector of LUCA School of Arts. For the High-Level Meeting, FilmEU was represented by Professor Manuel Damásio, co-ordinator of FilmEU, Sandra Rocha FilmEU Project Manager, Veerle Van der Sluys, Executive Director of FilmEU, and Barry Dignam, Vice Dean of European University at IADT.
The meeting provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the achievements of the European Universities initiative, address remaining challenges, and identify pathways for its long-term success. Discussions focused on key enabling factors that would allow alliances to further contribute to Europe's sustainable prosperity and competitiveness while upholding democracy and promoting social fairness.
The event commenced on the afternoon of 26 February with a keynote intervention by Roxana Mînzatu, Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. This was followed by a closed meeting of European Universities rectors with Vice-President Mînzatu, where discussions centred on the added value of the European Universities alliances in transforming higher education and enhancing Europe's competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and preparedness. The evening featured several high-level discussions for and between rectors, with welcoming and closing remarks delivered by Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen, Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture.
On 27 February, the event gathered representatives from all 65 European Universities alliances, Seal of Excellence holders, Members of the European Parliament, national and regional authorities from EU countries, key higher education stakeholders, European student organisations, and private sector representatives. The morning sessions, which were held in person and livestreamed, began with an opening ceremony that included a keynote speech by Roxana Mînzatu.
The programme featured testimonials from students and alliance coordinators, video messages from key policymakers, and a high-level panel on the role of European Universities alliances in transforming the higher education landscape and fostering future-proof skills for Europe's competitiveness and strategic autonomy. This discussion included contributions from Members of the European Parliament, university leaders, student representatives, and economic development experts.
A keynote speech by Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute and former Prime Minister of Italy, followed, setting the stage for further deliberations on how alliances could strengthen cooperation with innovation ecosystems and drive regional development across Europe. The morning concluded with a performance by the Susato Trio, students from the IN.TUNE European University, highlighting the cultural and artistic contributions of European university collaborations.
The event underscored the significance of the European Universities initiative in shaping the future of higher education in Europe. FilmEU's active participation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the sector. As discussions on the initiative’s long-term sustainability continue, FilmEU remains dedicated to playing a pivotal role in advancing European higher education and supporting its transformative potential.
In parallel to the High-Level Meeting, Dr. Veerle Van der Sluys attended the FOREU4ALL onsite General Forum in Brussels. This event successfully brought together 100 coordinators from European Universities alliances to discuss key opportunities, challenges, and milestones shaping future collaborations. A central theme of the discussions was the European Commission's vital role in ensuring the long-term success of the European Universities initiative. Key topics included the upcoming Polish Presidency event in June, the Union of Skills, the European Degree, and investment pathways for sustainable and impactful alliances. FOREU4ALL continues to serve as a powerful platform for fostering collaboration, strengthening alliances, and advancing the European Higher Education agenda.
The event underscored the significance of the European Universities initiative in shaping the future of higher education in Europe. FilmEU's active participation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence within the sector. As discussions on the initiative’s long-term sustainability continue, FilmEU remains dedicated to playing a pivotal role in advancing European higher education and supporting its transformative potential.
