European University Alliances Forum at the University of Wrocław [REPORT]
Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union is drawing to a close. One of the final and significant events of this presidency was the European University Alliances Forum, held on 12–13 June at the Library of the University of Wrocław. The University of Wrocław hosted the Forum on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
This prestigious event, organised as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brought together representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, higher education institutions, and members of nearly 65 European University Alliances, representing more than 570 universities from across Europe.
Speakers at the opening session included:
– Marcin Kulasek, Minister of Science and Higher Education,
– Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission,
– Professor Patrycja Matusz, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at the University of Wrocław and also the Minister’s Plenipotentiary for European Affairs and the EU Presidency,
– Anna Żabska, Lower Silesian Voivode.
The Forum focused on key topics such as the role of university alliances in transforming higher education, shared challenges and best practices within the European Universities Initiative (EUI), and the future of education – including the European degree and joint programmes.
– The European University Alliances Forum is one of the most important events of our EU Council Presidency – it highlights how academic cooperation is a strong foundation of a united Europe. University alliances are not only pillars of innovative higher education but also engines for future-proof skills. I am glad that here in Wrocław – an open, academic city – we are working with partners from across Europe on the vision of a European degree, joint programmes, and the long-term development of the European Universities Initiative – stressed Minister Marcin Kulasek.
Participants also engaged in discussions on the strategic development of the Union of Skills initiative, which aims to foster future-oriented competencies.
Other major themes included the long-term financing of the EUI, collaboration between universities and socio-economic partners, and the advancement of innovation.
Particular attention was given to student involvement in alliance governance and their role in the internationalisation of higher education.
– The Forum is not only an opportunity to exchange experiences and deepen collaboration between universities, but also a space for reflection on the future of European higher education and the role of students, researchers, and policymakers in shaping an innovative, inclusive and resilient Europe of knowledge – said dr hab. Patrycja Matusz, prof. UWr, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Minister’s Plenipotentiary for European Affairs and the EU Presidency.
The event also featured unique initiatives integrating the academic community, including a concert by the University of Wrocław’s International Student Orchestra and a networking session for students and alliance members in the green space by the University Library.
Editor: Katarzyna Górowicz-Maćkiewicz
Photo report: Alina Metelytsia-Kolisnyk
Added by: S.F.
Date of publication: 16.06.2025
