The Students’ Union of the University of Algarve (AAUAlg) took part, on 15–16 November 2025, in the first edition of the Student Network of Alliances – REA, organised by FAIRe – the Academic Forum for External Information and Representation. The national meeting, held at ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, gathered student representatives from several European University Alliances with a presence in Portugal.
AAUAlg was represented by its President, Rodrigo Carlos, who actively participated in the discussions and programme activities. As a member of the Student Council of the European University of the Seas – SEA-EU, he contributed with the students’ perspective from SEA-EU, strengthening UAlg’s presence in the national debate on the role of European Universities.
The event aimed to foster dialogue among students, promote the exchange of experiences and good practices within the European University Alliances, and reinforce the importance of student representation in the internationalisation of higher education. The programme included training sessions on pedagogical innovation, thematic roundtables, discussion moments, and a workshop led by the European Students’ Union (ESU).
Ahead of the REA meeting, on 14 November, AAUAlg was formally accepted as an associate member of FAIRe Portugal during its 3rd General Assembly, thus beginning its process of full integration into the national structure that brings together and represents Portuguese students involved in European Alliances. The University of Beira Interior (UBI) was also accepted as an associate member.
The event further welcomed representatives from the Erasmus+ National Agency for Education and Training, the National Council for Pedagogical Innovation in Higher Education, the Portuguese Forum of Higher Education Institutions in European Alliances (FOR.EU.PT), and the European Students’ Union (ESU), among others – reinforcing the strategic importance of this initiative for the national ecosystem of European University Alliances.
AAUAlg’s participation underlines its commitment to strong and active student representation within European dynamics and contributes to a more visible and coordinated presence of University of Algarve students at both national and international level.
