COMECE and IFCU invite you to join the upcoming conference “European Universities Alliances: An Opportunity for Catholic Universities?” – a two-part webinar series taking place on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, and Tuesday, 13 May 2025, from 11:30 to 12:30 (CEST). This event will explore the challenges and opportunities that the European Universities Initiative (EUI) presents for Catholic higher education institutions. Register now!
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) are organising the conference “European Universities Alliances: An Opportunity for Catholic Universities?” – a two-part webinar series aimed at exploring the challenges and opportunities that the European Universities Initiative (EUI) offers to Catholic higher education institutions.
The European Universities Initiative (EUI) was launched by the European Commission in 2019 with the aim of fostering unprecedented levels of cooperation among higher education institutions across Europe. Through the creation of transnational alliances – currently 65 alliances involving more than 570 higher education institutions – the initiative seeks to enhance the quality, inclusiveness and global competitiveness of European higher education.
For Catholic universities, the EUI presents both unique challenges and valuable opportunities to integrate their foundational values within a broader European educational framework. The two webinars will present the European Commission’s initiative, share experiences, discuss challenges, and highlight opportunities specifically for Catholic higher education institutions.
The two webinars will feature two keynote speeches. The first will be delivered by Fr Manuel Barrios Prieto, General Secretary of COMECE, and will focus on higher education in today’s European Union. The second keynote will be given by François Mabille, Secretary General of IFCU, and will explore the role of Catholic universities in shaping European higher education.
Panelists include:
- Ioana Dewandeler (DG EAC – European Commission)
- Maria Amalia Silva de Oliva (Universidad Pontificia Comillas – EUPeace)
- Arturo Varona Bosque (Universidad Pontificia Comillas – EUPeace)
- Teresa Morales De La Fuente (Universidad Pontificia Comillas – EUPeace)
- Mariet Vriens (KULeuven – Una Europa)
- Katrien Vanelven (KULeuven – Una Europa)
- Marian Aláez (Universidad de Deusto – UNIC)
- Ainhoa Jorquera Cascón (Universidad de Deusto – UNIC)
- Richard Van Wezel (Radboud University – NeuroTechEU)
The invitation is addressed in particular to Catholic Universities, but is open to all higher education practictioners and those involved in higher education at European level interesting in understanding more about the functioning of European Universities Alliances.
The webinars will take place on 6 and 13 May 2025, from 11:30 to 12:30 (CEST). They will be moderated by Emilio Dogliani (COMECE) and Montserrat Alom (IFCU).
Download the Concept Note | Download the Poster | Register now
