Brussels, February 27, 2025 – SEA-EU has actively participated in the High-Level Meeting: “Shaping the Future – European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe”, organized by the European Commission in Brussels. The event brought together key figures from European university alliances to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead for the European Universities Initiative, focusing on its consolidation and long-term sustainability.
Representing SEA-EU at the meeting were Marcela Iglesias, Vice-Rector for Internationalization at the University of Cádiz (UCA) and General Coordinator of the alliance; Fernando Pérez, Director General for European Projects and SEA-EU at UCA; Ralph Schneider, Vice-President of Kiel University (CAU); Maria Grima Calleja, Director of the SEA-EU Office at the University of Malta (UM); and Gabriele Sampagnaro, Rector’s Delegate for SEA-EU at the University of Naples Parthenope (UPN).
One of the key topics on the agenda was the long-term functionality of the alliances, with discussions centered on how to establish durable cooperation models, maximize the added value of university networks, and explore the potential legal frameworks that could support their sustainability. With the current European Commission funding period set to conclude in 2027, these conversations are crucial in determining the next steps for the future of the initiative.
On the eve of the conference, a high-level meeting of university rectors took place, further reinforcing institutional commitment to European cooperation in higher education. Casimiro Mantell, Rector of the University of Cádiz, and Ralph Schneider, Vice-President of Kiel University, participated in the discussions, which focused on the strategic role of alliances and their contribution to strengthening the European Higher Education Area.
Since its establishment in 2019, SEA-EU has positioned itself as a pioneering force within the European Universities Initiative, fostering collaboration between its nine coastal universities in education, research, innovation, and societal engagement. The alliance’s active involvement in these discussions underscores its dedication to shaping a more integrated, sustainable, and inclusive higher education landscape in Europe.
As the European Universities Initiative continues to evolve, SEA-EU remains committed to advancing long-term cooperation models that benefit both university communities and society at large.
