Ready for take-off: EC report highlights the transformational potential of European Universities alliances

5 Februar 2025
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The 64 European Universities alliances are set to launch into the next phase of their transformational journey. A recent European Commission report highlights both current achievements and future potential of alliances, including high marks for CIVIS in at least three areas, after the first five years of innovative, challenge-based collaboration across borders.  

Alliances not only equip young people with the skills, competences, and knowledge needed for the green and digital transitions, but also position Europe as a leading global study destination. They also strengthen ties with local communities and innovation ecosystems, while driving reforms across national and European higher education systems”, says Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs, and Preparedness. 

Today, nearly half of all students in Europe are enrolled in a university that belongs to an alliance. With almost half a million studying in one of CIVIS member universities, it stands as one of the largest alliances. The report showcases the diverse and far-reaching impact of universities alliances, from student and staff mobility to excellent and inclusive education addressing global challenges and linking it to research. The report mentions CIVIS 55 times, particularly highlighting three core contributions: 

CIVIS Leading the Way with Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) 

CIVIS is a frontrunner in organising Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), offering more than 140 BIPs to date (this number is increasing, but refers to the current EC Factsheet on CIVIS). These innovative programmes are designed and delivered by at least three CIVIS member universities, combining online learning with short-term physical mobility at another university within the alliance. 

Discover how CIVIS has been able to achieve outstanding results in the organisation of Blended Intensive Programmes! 

Interdisciplinary Hubs Focused on Global Challenges 

CIVIS is home to five interdisciplinary hubs that address key global societal challenges, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These hubs focus on the following areas: 

  • Climate, Environment, and Energy 

  • Society, Culture, and Heritage 

  • Health 

  • Cities, Spaces, and Mobilities 

  • Digital and Technological Transformation 

Each hub is working on or already offering joint short- and long-term programmes at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels, applying cutting-edge pedagogies and fostering multidisciplinary research aimed at solving both local and global challenges. The EC report says about our Hubs: 

By integrating diverse activities, CIVIS Hubs provide multidisciplinary and multinational joint education, research, and innovation opportunities using shared infrastructure, digital platforms, and research teams". 

CIVIS' Global Strategy: African Partnerships 

CIVIS' global outlook extends beyond Europe, with a focus on the Mediterranean and Africa. In March 2022, CIVIS formalised a partnership with six African universities, strengthening ties and promoting cross-continental cooperation. Since September 2024 these universities are Associate Member institutions of CIVIS. European and African universities in CIVIS commit to a comprehensive cooperation agenda by developing joint programmes and activities in education, research, and societal outreach.  The EC report highlights CIVIS' work in this internationalisation process: 

...some alliances have partners from overseas or focus on partnerships from a specific geographical area, for example African universities to craft new partnerships, contribute to international development, and achieve global outreach and outcome dissemination. CIVIS alliance has secured several funding grants together with some of their six African partner universities". 

Transforming higher education 

The report not only highlights the achievements of individual alliances but also emphasises their overall transformational potential. In merely five years, European Universities alliances are already setting the tone for international collaboration in the field.  

  • An extensive network of over 2,200 associated partners driving local innovation and engagement.  

  • A total of 14 alliances, including CIVIS, have (as of November 2024) formalised a legal entity, ensuring representation and sustainability. 

  • The establishment of student councils and the inclusion of student representatives in governance structures foster the development of a transnational generation of young leaders who amplify the voices of the next generation. Additionally, student-led projects enable bottom-up collaboration in shaping the activities of the Alliance and allow students to develop skills for tackling the challenges of the 21st century. 

CIVIS is proud to be part of this vibrant community, actively shaping the future of European higher education. This transformative process highlighted in the Commission’s report is truly one of co-creation: academics designing joint degrees and BIPs, students embracing international exchange opportunities and leading their own projects, administrators preparing for future challenges during staff weeks, local stakeholders engaging in Open Labs, and African members opening paths to new global forms of academic collaboration.  

Recognising this transformational potential, Enrico Letta highlights in his report on the future of the EU Single Market that European university alliances like CIVIS are essential to achieve what he has called the 'fifth freedom'—the freedom to learn, work, innovate, research, and share knowledge across borders.  

With all these achievements behind us, there's still so much more to come — so, join us in shaping the future of European higher education. Are you ready for take-off?  

About the author: Moritz Pohlner is currently completing a two-month internship at CIVIS where he works in the offices in Marseille (amU) and Tübingen (UT). After finishing his internship, he will write his Master's thesis on the European Universities initiative and how it is becoming a reality on the ground. Pursuing a Franco-German degree in political science, Moritz is interested in intercultural exchange and civic engagement. He is particularly passionate about the European project and local initiatives that promote cross-border cooperation and bring people together.