Towards a Stronger Europe: European University Alliances and the Irish EU Presidency in Sight
INGENIUM joins Dublin conference to help shape the future of European University Alliances
On 27 May 2025, representatives from higher education institutions in Ireland, France and Germany gathered at the Europe House in Dublin for the conference “Towards a Stronger Europe: Franco-German-Irish Perspectives on the Future of European University Alliances”. The event was organised by the French and German Embassies in Ireland, with the support of the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and the Technological Universities Association (TUA).
Framed by the upcoming Irish EU Council Presidency in 2026, the conference brought together institutional leaders to foster dialogue and share best practices among members of European University Alliances. Key questions included the future of these alliances beyond 2027, sustainable and long-term funding models, the role of national support, and the overall strategic direction and long-term impact of the European Universities Initiative.
With 65 alliances launched under Erasmus+ since 2019, the initiative seeks to transform European higher education through institutional cooperation, joint degrees, and enhanced student mobility.
The keynote was delivered by Susanne Conze, Head of Unit for Higher Education at DG EAC. She underlined the need to widen access to higher education, encourage pedagogical innovation and challenge-based learning, and ensure institutional diversity. A key point was the need to shift from project-based funding towards a long-term and sustainable financial framework that integrates both education and research.
INGENIUM took part in the panel discussion “University Alliances in Transition: Balancing Innovation, Skills Needs, and Academic Excellence.” Rose Marie Beck, President of Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences and member of the INGENIUM Alliance Council, contributed insights from a University of Applied Sciences perspective.
Throughout the day, participants reflected on the diversity of the European Higher Education landscape, including institutional missions and student populations. There was a shared commitment to make European University Alliances more inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.
The Irish Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, rounded up the event by outlining his main priorities for the Irish education sector: championing research and innovation, delivering high-quality, highly international, and forward-looking education, and widening learning pathways through skilling and reskilling. He emphasized the importance of promoting curiosity, creative thinking, and academic freedom as central values of higher education. Minister Lawless expressed his clear support for the European University Alliances, which he described as a powerful driver of innovation and European cooperation. He concluded with a timely message: “Science needs freedom, and freedom needs science.”
INGENIUM remains committed to promoting inclusive and excellent teaching environments, enabling flexible and innovative learning paths, connecting research, teaching and societal needs, and generating local impact through strong regional partnerships within a European framework.
The Dublin event provided valuable momentum for all participants to align future strategies and advocacy efforts, especially as preparations begin for the Irish EU Presidency. INGENIUM looks forward to engaging further in this important European conversation.
Francois Germinet