European University Alliances as a model of transnational cooperation

A SPHERE online seminar held 18-19  November 2024 gathered higher education stakeholders from 21 HERE countries to examine the European Universities Initiative (EUi) as a model for transnational cooperation and a driver of higher education policy development. The seminar provided a platform for discussion among institutional leaders, ministry officials, international relations officers, and quality assurance professionals. Participants explored how European university alliances are evolving and what their implications for higher education institutions across and beyond Europe.

Understanding the European Universities Initiative

The seminar opened with an overview of the European Universities Initiative, which currently includes 64 alliances. These alliances aim to create integrated, inter-university campuses that facilitate joint teaching, research, and mobility strategies. Presentations covered the current policy landscape, funding frameworks under Erasmus+, and the progress towards key objectives such as increased student mobility and the development of a joint European degree. Future prospects and potential changes under the next Erasmus+ and research funding cycles were also introduced.

Why Institutions Join Alliances

Institutional representatives from existing alliances, including Una Europa and E³UDRES², shared experiences on the benefits and challenges of alliance participation. Speakers mentioned enhanced mobility, shared academic offerings, and joint governance structures as key gains. They also acknowledged ongoing challenges, such as aligning administrative systems, ensuring bottom-up engagement from staff and students, and achieving flexibility in mobility schemes.

Quality Assurance in Joint Initiatives

The topic of quality assurance (QA) in cross-border collaboration was a focus of discussion. Presenters addressed how alliances apply the European Approach for Joint Programmes and adapt internal QA systems to diverse national requirements. 

Models of Transnational Collaboration

The second day featured case studies from alliances such as ENGAGE.EU, ARQUS, and YUFE. Speakers presented examples of joint degrees, blended mobility schemes, and staff development initiatives. Presentations illustrated the importance of institutional collaboration in promoting flexibility, innovation, and inclusivity. Participants also discussed challenges related to managing joint programmes, especially with regard to internships, legal constraints, and the practicalities of multi-campus delivery.

Broader Engagement Beyond the EU

HERE countries are increasingly engaging with institutions from the European Higher Education Area and EUIs. Examples were shared of Ukrainian and Western Balkan institutions participating as associate partners. Speakers underlined the added value of incorporating diverse perspectives and expanding outreach.  

Reflections on Future Directions

Concluding discussions centred on the long-term role of the EUi in shaping higher education systems. Participants debated whether the initiative could evolve into a more integrated model of transnational education or remain a platform for flexible collaboration. The importance of sustainable funding, broad-based engagement, and alignment with system-level reforms was emphasized. 

Key Themes

• Long-term cooperation through joint degrees, programmes, and virtual mobility
• Governance and QA mechanisms tailored for multi-institutional collaboration
• Increasing interest in inclusive, bottom-up engagement of academic communities
• Opportunities and limitations of involving institutions from outside the EU
• Potential of alliances to support implementation of existing Bologna commitments

The seminar provided insights into how alliances operate to foster institutional transformation, cooperation, and shared learning. Participants engaged in discussions on how such models may inform future practices and policy development in diverse higher education systems.