The European Commission has selected SEA-EU NEXT, the new strategic project of the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU), for funding under the European Universities Initiative, awarding the Alliance the requested budget of €7.2 million for the period 2027–2029. This decision confirms the confidence of the European institutions in SEA-EU’s vision and recognises the progress achieved by the Alliance since its creation.
SEA-EU NEXT represents the first stage of the Alliance’s long-term roadmap towards becoming a fully integrated European University. Building on the foundations established during previous phases, the project will further strengthen joint governance, expand educational opportunities, enhance staff development and mobility, and foster a more inclusive and interconnected European campus experience. The project is structured around four major pathways of change. These include the consolidation of joint governance through the SEA-EU Alliance Association, the expansion of joint degrees and innovative learning opportunities, the institutionalisation of recognition systems that facilitate mobility and lifelong learning, and the implementation of common standards promoting sustainability, inclusion and student engagement across all partner universities.
In its evaluation, the European Commission highlighted SEA-EU’s strong institutional commitment, the establishment of a joint legal entity, the maturity of its governance model, the development of the SEA-EU ONE ecosystem for digital interoperability within the alliance and its unique capacity to connect universities across all major European sea basins. The evaluators also recognised the Alliance’s commitment to European values, including inclusion, accessibility, gender equality and social cohesion.
“The selection of SEA-EU NEXT is both a recognition of what we have achieved together and a responsibility for the future,” said Marcela Iglesias, General Coordinator of SEA-EU. “Over the past years, we have demonstrated that universities can work beyond borders to create meaningful opportunities for students, staff, researchers and our wider communities. With SEA-EU NEXT, we are taking a decisive step towards a truly integrated European University, strengthening our shared capacity to address societal challenges and contribute to the resilience and sustainable development of Europe’s coastal regions.”
The proposal successfully passed the highly competitive evaluation process and reached the funding threshold established by the European Commission.
Over the next two years, SEA-EU NEXT will focus on consolidating the foundations of a truly European university model, creating new opportunities for learning, research, innovation and collaboration while strengthening the Alliance’s long-term sustainability and impact. Through this new chapter, SEA-EU reaffirms its commitment to building a more connected, inclusive and sustainable Europe through higher education.
