Algebra Bernays University affirms its status as a relevant institution in European higher education through active participation in international initiatives and strategic discussions. The university’s rector, Associate Professor dr Mislav Balković, participated as a moderator at the high-level rectors’ meeting, Shaping the Future: European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe – European Education Area, held in Brussels, Belgium, in the presence of Roxana Mînzatu, European Commission vice-president for education and skills.
Gathering around 200 participants, the conference hosted rectors from 73 European University alliances, Members of the European Parliament, EU education ministry officials, representatives of European student organisations, universities, applied sciences institutions, and employers. This high-profile participation reaffirms the event’s strategic relevance and its impact on the future direction of higher education policy in Europe.
A key role in shaping European university alliances
Rector Balković moderated a panel discussion with 25 European university rectors, including representatives from the University of Bologna, the University of Naples, and the Technical University of Munich (TUM), focusing on the strategic development of European University Alliances. The key discussion points included:
- Strengthening the financial sustainability of inter-university partnerships,
- The role of European universities in shaping the EU’s Economic Development,
- Increasment investment in skills and education for better alignment of higher education with the needs of labor market.
A particular emphasis was placed on the need for more excellent EU investment in skills development through higher education and research. Additionally, strong support was expressed for European University Alliances, joint degree programmes, and the European Degree Initiative as essential tools for enhancing the competitiveness of European higher education and fostering deeper cooperation across institutions.
Algebra Bernays as part of the European Academic Community
Algebra Bernays University is part of the DIVERSE European University Alliance, which brings together 11 universities from 10 European countries, with 150,000 students and over 15,000 staff members. The DIVERSE Alliance has been awarded the Seal of Excellence, a recognition of its high standards and impact.
During the meeting, Rector Balković actively advocated for increasing the visibility and recognition of alliances holding the Seal of Excellence and ensuring their strong inclusion in the European Commission’s new financial instrument, “Investment Pathway”.
As the coordinator of the DIVERSE Alliance, Algebra Bernays not only participates but also plays a leading role in the strategic development of European universities. The discussions emphasized the need for long-term inter-university partnerships beyond project-based funding, ensuring sustainable integration and lasting collaboration within the European higher education area.
European University Alliances as the Future Model for Cooperation
Among the key conclusions of the panel, it was highlighted that the partnerships established through the European University Alliances initiative represent a new model of inter-institutional cooperation. These alliances go beyond traditional project-based collaborations, fostering long-term academic and research cooperation across Europe.
It is expected that in the coming years, the European Union will further support this model through strategic investments and new funding mechanisms.
By participating in such high-level discussions, Algebra Bernays University reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international collaboration, advancing the quality of education, and ensuring that students gain access to the latest knowledge and skills. Through its active engagement in European initiatives and policy discussions, Algebra Bernays positions itself as a key partner in shaping the future of higher education in Europe.
