On a bicycle towards the moon - ATHENA discusses the future of the European University Initiative

Rounding off the five-part ATHENA seminar series „The European University initiative, from European policy to practice on the ground: solutions for smart integration” the University of Orléans hosted on 28 February a panel discussion on the challenges and future of the European University Initiative.

Supported by the French embassies in Germany, Portugal and Slovenia, representatives of ATHENA discussed with high-ranking guests the progress in the implementation of the European University Initiative, according to ATHENA coordinator Prof Dr Nuno Escudeiro the most ambitious project of the European Commission in the field of higher education since the introduction of the Erasmus programme in 1987. After the welcome by the Rector of the University of Orléans, Prof Dr Eric Blond, and a short introduction to the goals and activities of ATHENA by Prof Escudeiro, the participants debated topics such as the accreditation of Europe-wide study programmes, national support by the EU member states, and the planned expansion of the existing university alliances.

High targets and numerous challenges

ATHENA addressed the invited panellists from politics and higher education in representation of the 41 European University Alliances. Within three years, the alliances are supposed to achieve first results on the way to sustainable institutional change but face numerous challenges and limited resources. For this reason, a comparison with a bicycle was invoked several times during the event; the bicycle being the only available tool for the alliances to achieve their goal of reaching the moon. Tine Delva, representative of the European Commission, however, emphasised that policy-makers are currently working on various programmes to support the alliances, including plans for a distinct form of European legal entity.

The seminar series with over 400 participants not only increased ATHENA's visibility and presence across Europe, but also enabled direct exchange with stakeholders from politics, higher education, and business. As a result, ATHENA is submitting a strategy paper on the formalisation of blended and virtual mobility to the European Commission in March. With the help of a standardised definition, the aim is to achieve greater awareness and acceptance of these new, innovative forms of mobility and to give more students access to international education.

Rectors sign Letter of Intent

Following the panel discussion, an ATHENA Letter of Intent was signed by the rectors present. The Letter of Intent is the basis for the Consortium Agreement of the alliance, which is now to be further elaborated. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding for a focused partnership was signed between the University of Siegen and the University of Orléans. This aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two universities in the focus areas of education, research, and scholarships; to promote the mobility of students, researchers, and staff; and to carry out joint research projects, courses, and seminars.

Photo: Université d'Orléans