The Policy Dialogue team welcomes CULT report on European Universities alliances

At its latest meeting on 18 September, Policy Dialogue (FOREU4ALL WP3) members reflected on the recent adoption of the CULT report on European Universities alliances, which was approved by the European Parliament plenary on 11 September. The group, co-led by Sophia Karner (Senior Policy Officer at Una Europa) and Kevin Guillaume (Circle U. Secretary General), welcomed the report’s strong recommendation for sustainable funding. They noted that it represents a valuable and timely contribution to ongoing advocacy efforts to continue supporting the developments of the alliances in the next MFF.

Members emphasised that the report is definitely contributing to increase the alliances’ visibility in Parliament and beyond by recognising their achievements to date, particularly in fostering deep structural transnational cooperation, fostering pedagogical innovation, boosting mobility and international exposure, addressing societal challenges of today and tomorrow, etc. The report also highlights the need for strategic, coordinated investment to enable their full potential.

In close dialogue with the Rapporteur, MEP Laurence Farreng, the group contributed to the report by facilitating input collection and consolidated feedback from the alliances. Going forward, WP3 is committed to strengthen and coordinate outreach to policymakers, including with the European Parliament, to ensure that the report’s momentum is sustained. This will remain a priority throughout the year as the alliances continue to strengthen their role in shaping the future of higher education and research in Europe and beyond.

More information

European Parliament’s press release: European Universities alliances: deepen cooperation and secure financing