Arqus represented at European Commission high-level meeting on the future of European Universities

The Rector of the University of Granada, Pedro Mercado, and the President of Maynooth University, Eeva Leinonen, represented the Arqus Alliance at the high-level meeting of European Universities Rectors and Presidents organised by the European Commission on 10 June in Brussels.

The event brought together leaders from European university alliances and EU institutions to discuss the strategic role of the European Universities Initiative in shaping the future of higher education in Europe. Discussions focused on key topics such as the completion of the European Education Area, the development of a European Degree, the attraction and retention of talent, and the contribution of alliances to European competitiveness and innovation.

A highlight for Arqus was the participation of President Eeva Leinonen as a speaker in one of the high-level round tables, in recognition of Maynooth University’s role as host institution for the upcoming IV European Forum of Alliances, which will take place on 10 July and is part of the programme of activities organised by Ireland during its six-month presidency.

The meeting provided an excellent opportunity for dialogue and exchange with representatives of the European Commission, Members of the European Parliament, national authorities, and university leaders from across Europe. The event also reflected the growing importance of university alliances in strengthening cooperation, innovation, and inclusion within the European higher education landscape.

Arqus welcomed the European Commission’s continued commitment to the initiative, including the positive outlook for the return of UK institutions to the Erasmus+ programme from January 2027. Although Durham University’s Vice-Chancellor Karen O’Brien (part of Arqus) was ultimately unable to attend, UK associate partners were specially invited to participate in the meeting.

The Alliance values the constructive exchanges held during the event and looks forward to continuing its active contribution to the future development of the European Universities Initiative.