European University EUTOPIA and Times Higher Education organise summit in the framework of Unesco’s World Higher Education Conference

The conference focuses on the creation of a European university strategy and is part of the 10-yearly Unesco world conference on higher education. For two days, several prominent speakers from the world of education will address the most important questions on the construction of the European higher education system.

Luc Soete: “During a panel discussion, I will explore with colleagues how the European University can contribute to the Green New Deal and how it can support development goals in the field of sustainability.”

The conference is organised by EUTOPIA partner Pompeu Fabra University. You can consult the full programme here.

Jan Danckaert, VUB vice-rector for Education and rector ad interim: “Initiatives such as this conference are essential to understand the European university landscape and to make the world aware of the value that universities and other higher education institutions bring. As an urban engaged university, VUB plays a major role in building a strong research community across national borders and, with the partner universities of EUTOPIA, opens the doors to the future.”

The European University

The European University is an initiative of the European Commission to create a European Higher Education Area that will enable member states to respond to the rapid changes in the European higher education landscape. The aim of these transnational alliances is to join forces and improve international competitiveness. European Universities make mutual exchanges in education and research much easier. For example, students can obtain a degree consisting of course units from different countries. There are currently 41 partnerships, each consisting of five to 11 universities, including EUTOPIA, which became a European University in June 2019.

EUTOPIA

EUTOPIA is an ambitious alliance of 10 like-minded universities willing to reinvent themselves: Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium), CY Cergy Paris Université (France), Ca’ Foscari University in Venice (Italy), Technische Universität Dresden (Germany), University of Gothenburg (Sweden), University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), NOVA University in Lisbon (Portugal), Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona (Spain) and the University of Warwick (United Kingdom). These 10 pioneers are joining forces to shape the university of the future.

Each university has several campuses that are deeply rooted in their environment. They have established close relationships with their communities, institutional structures and local businesses. EUTOPIA’s mission is to create a unique and bold long-term alliance of transformative and committed institutions. Students, researchers and staff of EUTOPIA work together to create a new academic model, reflecting an open and united Europe that respects its citizens and the environment.

More information

Lize De Potter

Lize.de.potter@vub.be

0468 23 66 78