Mon. Feb 17th, 2025

Brussels, 24 January 2025

Cooperation between European universities has the potential to transform higher education. That is according to a report presented by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu today on the Outcomes and Transformational Potential of the European Universities initiative to mark the International Day of Education. The report also outlines the progress and achievements of the European Universities alliances, five years after its launch and gives an overview of remaining challenges to, and recommendations for, the long-term sustainability of European Universities.

The European Universities alliances have been successful in setting up European inter-university campuses where students study and cooperate across borders and benefit from innovative learning and teaching. Currently, there are 65 alliances, gathering over 570 higher education institutions from 35 countries, including all EU Member States. The alliances are already a cornerstone of the European higher education system. In the first three years alone, the alliances saw a 400% increase in intra-alliance student mobility. They form a new model of transnational cooperation in higher education with a long-term strategic outlook, enabling them to compete on a global scale.

Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu said: 

“On the occasion of International Day of Education, I am very glad to be able meet with three students from around Europe, to hear about their direct experience of the European Universities Alliances initiative. Today we publish a report on the transformative potential of this initiative which shows the benefit of this model of learning. By pooling knowledge together across countries, we can better equip young future generations, with the skills and competencies needed for a competitive and prepared Europe. The initiative allows students to benefit from programme at bachelors, postgraduate and doctorate level – with Alliance groups across several teaching subjects including in areas of engineering, space, digital transformation and global health to name a few. For young people, in school today – this initiative holds much promise of what their future third level education might look. A scenario where knowledge and learning is viewed in terms of centres of excellence, and students get access to this without being bound or restricted by borders.”

In addition, the Commission published today new key data on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), offering a comprehensive in-depth analysis of the state of ECEC, policies, practices, and trends across 37 European countries. The report shows progress made in expanding access to ECEC, although differences between countries remains high, including quality of services.

More information on the reports is available here and here.

 

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