In the heart of the European capital, Brussels, a high-level meeting took place that outlined the contours of tomorrow’s higher education. Around 150 rectors and presidents of leading universities, representing 73 European University Alliances (including 65 existing alliances and 8 Seal of Excellence holders), gathered in Brussels for an intensive dialogue with the European Commission.

The main theme of the forum was the future of the “European Universities” initiative and its strategic contribution to innovation, economic competitiveness, and the transformation of education across the continent.

The ENGAGE.EU Alliance was represented by its current Chairman of the Governing board – the Rector of the University of National and World Economy Prof. Dr Dimitar Dimitrov. He took part in the discussions on several key topics related to the future of the European Universities Initiative:

Universities as Drivers of European Autonomy

The meeting was opened and chaired by Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for People, Skills, and Preparedness. In her keynote speech, she highlighted the immense success of the university alliances and their critical role in Europe’s future:

“We need strong, autonomous universities where academic freedom is protected. Where trust in science is fostered. Where innovation and inventiveness lead to success — both within Europe and on a global scale. European University Alliances can pave this way.”

— Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission

Investments in these cross-border partnerships were identified as a key factor in achieving the EU’s strategic autonomy, particularly in the context of the new Economic Compass for Competitiveness.

In Focus: The “Fifth Freedom” and Micro-credentials

One of the most vital points of discussion was the realization of the so-called “fifth freedom” of the Single Market — the free movement of researchers, scientific knowledge, and innovation (a concept proposed in the Letta Report). Jari Hämäläinen, President of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), emphasized that alliances create the actual capacity for joint scientist training and the cross-border commercialization of discoveries. As an example of best practice, ECIU shared its project to create a shared catalogue of research infrastructure, accessible to all researchers within the network.

In parallel, Ylva Johansson, Chair of the High-Level European Skills Board, outlined the ambition to integrate micro-credentials more deeply as a bridge between the labor market and academia. ECIU University is already a pioneer in this area, having issued nearly 4,000 micro-credentials through its digital platform.

The event also addressed the rollout of the European Degree Label, aimed at easing the recognition of joint educational programs across the continent.

The Challenges: A Call for Sustainable Funding

Despite the optimism and reported milestones, the rectors and presidents presented their biggest shared challenge to the Commission: the need for predictable, sustainable, and holistic funding. In light of the upcoming negotiations for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), university leaders stressed that funding must simultaneously cover all four pillars of the university mission: education, research, innovation, and service to society. It was noted that alongside EU funds, strong advocacy will be required at the national level within each member state.

What Lies Ahead?

To date, the “European Universities” initiative unites nearly 650 higher education institutions across 35 countries. The Brussels meeting solidified the reality that these networks are no longer just an experimental project, but the tangible infrastructure of the future European Education Area.

The outcomes of this intensive dialogue will serve as a foundation for shaping the EU’s next educational programs and will guide the European Skills Board in addressing demographic and technological challenges in the economy.