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Empowering Europe through EU University Alliances – Hessian Universities driving Innovation and Cooperation

Lunch Debate at at the Representation of the State of Hessen to the European Union

Veranstaltungsdaten

Registration required

European University Alliances are a key instrument for shaping a competitive, dynamic and interconnected European Higher Education and Research Area. By empowering innovation ecosystems across borders and by linking institutions, they create joint spaces for education, research, innovation and societal transformation. Their impact ranges from transnational teaching formats and student mobility to intense research collaboration. Most importantly, the alliances contribute to addressing pressing societal and economic challenges, supporting Europe’s clean industrial and digital transition, as well as strengthening civic and democratic engagement. Backed by Erasmus+, they are a strategic instrument for advancing the European Union’s political priorities. 
With seven universities involved in six alliances, Hessen is among the strongest regions participating in the European Universities Initiative. These alliances combine institutional diversity with a shared ambition: to create tangible benefits for students, researchers, regions, and Europe as a whole.
This lunch debate will reflect on the achievements and challenges of the European University Alliances, in light of the forthcoming MFF negotiations and the Commission’s proposals for Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and the Competitiveness Fund. Our panel will also discuss how to fully unlock the alliances’ potential and secure sustainable structures beyond 2027. Through concise case studies and political dialogue, the event will highlight why continuous multi-level European support for University Alliances is essential — not merely as a funding mechanism, but as a long-term investment in Europe’s capacity to deliver on its democratic values, political priorities and its innovation agenda.