The video recordings of the conference “European Universities Alliances: an opportunity for Catholic Universities?”, held on 6 and 13 May 2025, are now publicly available for viewing on the COMECE YouTube channel. Watch videos Part 1 | Part 2
The conference, held in a digital format, comprised two sessions exploring how Catholic universities can engage with the European Universities Initiative (EUI), launched by the European Commission in 2019. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among universities by forming alliances that promote cross-border cooperation, student and staff mobility, as well as innovative approaches to teaching and learning.
The first webinar introduced the goals of the EUI and the structure of these alliances. Such partnerships enable universities to work across borders, offering shared programmes, joint degrees and more flexible learning pathways. For Catholic institutions, this model resonates with their mission to provide holistic education and promote the common good. However, the discussion also highlighted key challenges, particularly for smaller universities that face significant barriers to joining these alliances, limiting their ability to scale participation and benefit equitably from the initiative.
The second webinar focused on the experiences of Catholic universities already participating in alliances. Guest speakers shared how these partnerships have enhanced interdisciplinary education, research collaboration and social outreach. Nevertheless, speakers acknowledged that structural challenges persist. Legal fragmentation across national systems, accreditation barriers and uneven access to funding continue to constrain participation for many institutions. The importance of policy advocacy at the European level was underscored, with calls for more adaptable and inclusive frameworks that recognise the diversity of higher education institutions, especially smaller or mission-driven universities.
Both sessions suggest that these alliances present a significant opportunity to amplify the impact of Catholic higher education, provided institutions are adequately supported in navigating existing barriers. To seize this opportunity, Catholic universities are encouraged to remain true to their values while actively engaging in cooperation, sharing best practices and contributing to a more just, inclusive and innovative European educational landscape.
The conference was co-organised by the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) and the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU).
The two recordings of the conference are available to view here: Part 1 – Part 2.