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[The CIVIS Newsroom ](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom) 2. CIVIS Days 2026: Turning Seven Years of Cooperation into Collective Impact CIVIS Days 2026: Turning Seven Years of Cooperation into Collective Impact ============================================================================ Communication and Dissemination 17 June 2026 *Bucharest, 10–12 June 2026* — Under the domed ceiling of the Romanian Athenaeum, the annual gathering of CIVIS Alliance had a special flavour. Seven years after its launch, CIVIS came into focus as a maturing ecosystem, one increasingly defined by what it delivers across education, research and civic engagement. Over three days, **363 participants from 17 countries and nearly 40 institutions** — universities, ministries, embassies and European bodies — came together at the [**University of Bucharest**](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/university-of-bucharest) for the 2026 [**CIVIS Days.**](https://civis.eu/en/connect/civis-days/civis-days) Beyond the figures, the event highlighted a decisive shift: CIVIS is moving from a pilot building connections to a long-lasting endeavour that is already creating tangible impact. This year’s theme, ***“CIVIS is News – Seven Years of Shared Impact****”,* reflected just that. A community of shared ambitions -------------------------------- For **Professor Marian Preda**, Rector of the University of Bucharest, the alliance is now firmly embedded in institutional life. ![Professor Marian Preda, Rector of the University of Bucharest](https://civis.eu/storage/files/marian-preda-ub.jpg) > CIVIS has become part and parcel of our academic life, of our teaching, research and civic engagement programmes, of our culture and identity Professor Marian Preda, Rector of the University of Bucharest It is, Professor Preda said, *“the functional equivalent of Romania being member of the European Union”.* This evolution reflects a broader transformation. What began as structured cooperation now shapes how universities collaborate and innovate across borders. As **Professor Romiță Iucu** emphasised, CIVIS today reflects a shared commitment to togetherness, academic diplomacy and Europeanisation. Day 1: Universities at the Centre of Europe -------------------------------------------- ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-6.jpg)The opening sessions positioned European Universities alliances, and CIVIS in particular, as key actors in a changing landscape — linking higher education with democratic dialogue, policy and society. The impact is already tangible and the scope the European Universities initiative has achieved in seven years, makes is hard to think about the future of European higher education without alliances. *“The initial plan was to have 20, today we have 73 and in them 650 higher education institutions and half of students in Europe study at a university which is a member of an alliance. We come to a point when quantity becomes quality”,* said **Susanne Conze**, Head of Unit for Higher Education in the Directorate General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission. That impact is also measured by the human experience. CIVIS Student ambassador **Hakim Traoré** ([Université libre de Bruxelles](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/universite-libre-de-bruxelles)) described the atmosphere of the opening day in his terms in a [LinkedIn post](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/hakim-traore-b626621a0_civis-civisdays2026-ulb-activity-7472623033342529536-fR8R): *“The setting (of the opening ceremony) made it very clear this wasn't a standard academic conference… What I'll take away from that first day goes beyond the content of the sessions. It's the ease I felt moving between conversations with academics, institutional leaders, students from more than a dozen different countries”.* ### Key Numbers 363 ### Participants On site, plus online viewers of the dissemination sessions 17 ### Countries From all over CIVIS 40 ### Institutions Universities, ministries, embassies and European bodies 36 ### Student Musicians As part of the CIVIS Orchestra BIP. 31 ### Sessions Including dissemination sessions, workshops and meetings Keeping the CIVIS Story Alive ------------------------------ The keynote by **Professor François Heinderyckx** ([Université libre de Bruxelles](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/universite-libre-de-bruxelles)) framed the long-term trajectory of CIVIS Alliance and the need to develop strategies of functional and narrative retention, as the alliance builds up a very complex body of knowledge, experience, processes, and structures. He underlined that progressive integration — structurally, academically and institutionally — needs to inform next steps. ![Professor François Heinderyckx](https://civis.eu/storage/files/francois-heinderyckx-ulb_1.jpg) > By purpose and by nature, alliances are expected to progress towards deeper integration to achieve better efficiency in their collaborative undertakings. It is their ‘raison d’être' Professor François Heinderyckx In this context, he announced the launch of a pilot initiative dedicated to documenting the development of CIVIS Alliance. The project, starting at the ULB and already supported by the University of Bucharest, will collect interviews, testimonies and key documents to preserve both the evolution and the “Geist” of CIVIS over time. Alliances as democratic havens ------------------------------- In a [pre-recorded video message to CIVIS Days 2026 participants](https://youtu.be/1ymJrxdGo5s?si=M3fnpR_Olwd6Dpao), **Roxana Mînzatu**, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and UB alumna, highlighted the role of alliances like CIVIS in an increasingly uncertain world: *“We live in a world shaped by geopolitical tensions, accelerated technological change, and growing distrust in science and institutions, and universities are on the front line of these transformations. I am convinced that one of the strongest forms of defence we have is academic excellence, together with academic freedom. The more we connect universities across borders, bringing together different disciplines and perspectives, the stronger these foundations become. This is why European university alliances are so important.”* On site, **Susanne Conze**, Head of Unit for Higher Education in the Directorate General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission, also underlined the current challenges to academic freedom and expression and the role Universities alliances can play. European Universities alliances provide, in her view, a safe space to researchers, and take collaboration a step forward, making it more systemic and sustainable. ![Susanne Conze, Head of Unit for Higher Education in the Directorate General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission](https://civis.eu/storage/files/susanne-conze-ec.jpg) > Alliances help us to build a more resilient and competitive Europe; they accelerate national and European policy reforms by facilitating them. A clear example is the joint European degree label. Without the Alliances it would not have been possible. Alliances, and CIVIS always, boost cohesion, inclusivity and geographical balance. They ensure resources are shared and that access is maximised. CIVIS is one of the alliances that forms this dynamic academic community. Your alliance opens a remarkable space, and you are pioneering piloting high-quality joint programmes, all perfect candidates for the label, and we hope to see them all in this context Susanne Conze, Head of Unit for Higher Education in the Directorate General for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport of the European Commission Academic Diplomacy and Europeanisation --------------------------------------- Following the keynote, a forward-looking round table further explored the role of alliances in shaping European cooperation. Moderated by **Associate Professor Sorin Costreie**, Presidential Adviser for Education and Research and CIVIS Coordinator at the University of Bucharest, the discussion brought together key institutional actors from across Europe. Panellists included (in alphabetical order): - **Suzanne Conze**, European Commission - **Adrian Georgescu**, ERASMUS+ National Agency Romania - **Cezar Haj**, Romanian Executive Agency for Funding, Innovation and Research - **Anne Lequy**, European University Association - **David Lock**, Magna Charta Observatory - **Irina Macsinga**, West University of Timișoara / UNITA Alliance - **Horia Oniță**, European Higher Education Area Secretariat - **Karl Stoeckel**, CIVIS Alliance Their exchanges examined how alliances are reshaping international cooperation through integrated approaches to education, research and societal engagement. The discussion reinforced a key message of the opening day: European Universities alliances are increasingly functioning as platforms for dialogue between academia, policymakers and society... and are here to stay. Day 2: From Cooperation to Practice ------------------------------------ ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-3_3.jpg)If the first day set the strategic direction the alliance is taking, the second demonstrated how CIVIS delivers in practice. Sessions across the Faculty of Law showcased concrete outputs: joint learning pathways, new approaches to mobility, and civic engagement initiatives rooted in societal challenges. Some of these results are already taking shape and, beyond governance or management, participants expressed it from different perspectives. [**Isabelle Bruniau Di Monté**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/isabelle-bruniau-dimonte_civisdays-activity-7473280712264273921-sYJy) ([Aix-Marseille Université](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/aix-marseille-universite)) highlighted how collaboration within CIVIS is leading to new educational formats. ***“****As part of the CIVIS Days at the University of Bucharest, we organised a collective intelligence workshop focusing on ways to boost student engagement. It was an enriching personal and professional experience, which will culminate in the launch in September of our first micro-certification, ‘Making a positive impact on the world from the University’”.* Alongside these outputs, CIVIS retains a strong experimental dimension. Workshops and interactive formats explored new ways of collaborating across institutions and disciplines. In the Open Labs, this experimentation connects directly with society. As [**Robin Lebrun**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/robin-lebrun-74a74051_civisdays-activity-7471101728101236736-tfcz) ([Université libre de Bruxelles](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/universite-libre-de-bruxelles)) noted, such initiatives highlight the added value of international collaboration in strengthening civic engagement projects. CIVIS Days 2026 made the alliance concrete for some participants, like [**Pascal Paschoud**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/pascal-paschoud-lausanne_three-days-of-discussions-collaboration-activity-7471632927517405184-IofR/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAB3B8QBsc2a4k_hQ9bJVMbEaXR2hDVc4ls), Director for Lifelong learning at the [Université de Lausanne. ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/university-of-lausanne)*“My first participation in CIVIS Days left me with a strong impression of what European university cooperation can achieve in practice”.* Students as Key Actos of Education and Internationalisation ----------------------------------------------------------- ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-7_2.jpg)During the Student-Led project on media literacy as a civic responsibility. ***©*** CIVISStudents were not simply present at CIVIS Days — they were active contributors. From the [Student Creathon](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/our-work/student-led-projects/discover-the-projects-led-by-our-students-in-2025-2026/civis-creathon-contest) and Student Fair to discussions on learning, mobility and climate action, they played a central role in shaping the programme. [**Sarah Delfino**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sarah-delfino-21043b179_in-august-i-joined-the-first-ever-cohort-activity-7473019446815674369-ynms)**,** a student in the [TRACEE Master’s programme](https://civis.eu/en/learn/find-your-master-s-programme/master-s-programme-in-transdisciplinary-studies-of-climate-environment-and-energy), explained how CIVIS represents more than an educational experience: > CIVIS has provided me with more than just an education. It has given me opportunities for international collaborations, civic engagement, and a robust and diverse academic community that supports mutual, symbiotic growth Sarah Delfino, TRACEE Student Her CIVIS journey as a TRACEE student will take her from [Stockholm University](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/stockholm-university) to [Sapienza Università di Roma](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/sapienza-universita-di-roma) and [Aix-Marseille Université](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/aix-marseille-universite). For [**Jesús Romero Moreno**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jesusromero00_civis-civisdays2026-europeanuniversities-activity-7472619311891689472-tF3U?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAB3B8QBsc2a4k_hQ9bJVMbEaXR2hDVc4ls) ([Universidad Autónoma de Madrid](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/universidad-autonoma-de-madrid)), CIVIS Days became the conclusion of several months of collective work with other student ambassadors, allowing him to join discussions on student engagement, mobility, research collaboration and the future of learning within CIVIS. *“Activities such as the Student Creathon & Student Fair, the workshop ‘Not working? Knot working!’, and the CIVIS Trivia showed that the strength of an alliance comes from its people. As a CIVIS Ambassador, I participated in the CIVIS Newsroom Project, creating content and sharing stories behind the event. Working with fellow ambassadors was a great opportunity to show what it means to be a civizen: connecting people, ideas and cultures beyond borders”.* Their involvement reflects one of CIVIS’ core achievements: embedding participation into the fabric of the alliance. A Community in Practice ------------------------ Beyond formal sessions, CIVIS Days also highlighted something less visible but equally important: a shared sense of belonging. Moments such as the CIVIS Trivia quiz “*Who Wants to Be a Civizen?”* helped strengthen connections across institutions. As [**Egzona Krasniqi**](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7472217011943690241/), CIVIS Mobility Officer at the [University of Salzburg ](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/university-of-salzburg)observed, these informal exchanges create space for connection, dialogue and engagement beyond institutional roles. Beyond dissemination sessions, policy discussions and strategic planning, CIVIS Days 2026 also celebrated the cultural dimension of its community. A highlight was the 4th concert of the CIVIS Orchestra held in the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Law. It brought together 36 student musicians, plus academics, and members of partner universities to perform works by Franz Schubert and Ludwig van Beethoven under the direction of conductors Demetrio Moricca and Zoe Zeniodi. [More about the CIVIS Orchestra](https://civis.eu/en/the-civis-newsroom?tag%5B%5D=63) Day 3: Research, skills and long-term impact --------------------------------------------- The final day focused on consolidation, and on translating cooperation into long-term outcomes. Discussions addressed research collaboration, skills development and innovation, aligned with broader European priorities and with CIVIS’ global ambitions. Programmes such as [CIVIS Seed Funding](https://civis.eu/en/teach/civis-calls/previous-civis-calls-for-academics-and-researchers-1) exemplify this shift. For [Université Hassan II de Casablanca](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/universite-hassan-ii-de-casablanca) lecturer [**Abdellah El boussadi**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/el-boussadi-abdellah-1582a817a_civis-climateresilience-citizenscience-activity-7470885693649629185-nnYm/) , these initiatives reinforce cooperation across continents and disciplines: *“A stimulating week of dialogue and cross-disciplinary thinking, reinforcing the importance of Africa–Europe academic bridges in addressing global sustainability challenges”.* CIVIS Days also underscored the alliance’s international reach, particularly through its partnerships with African universities. For [**Alison Simons**](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7470539929660350464-zzM1/), of the [University of the Witwatersrand](https://civis.eu/en/discover-civis-alliance/what-is-civis/university-of-the-witwatersrand-johannesburg), these collaborations are essential to the future of higher education, because African universities represent vital partners that enrich collaborative scholarship. Addressing complex societal challenges that transcend national and regional boundaries requires the involvement of all, and CIVIS is working hard in that direction. ### (Re)watch all the dissemination sessions CIVIS Days is an annual dissemination event. Learn what the alliance has achieved in education, research, civic engagement and more. [Watch the recordings](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9H52ijfCQPVdfEoeKCXYjMEqudvJyc6r&si=RAXVfVSNzdfkvEou) CIVIS Appoints Professor Romiță Iucu as Secretary General --------------------------------------------------------- ![](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit.jpg)UB Professor Romiță Iucu will step in as CIVIS Secretary General next October 2026. ***©*** CIVIS**Professor Romiță Iucu** has been elected Secretary General of CIVIS – Europe’s Civic University Alliance, following a unanimous decision by the Board of Rectors representing the alliance’s 11 member universities. His mandate will run from October 2026 to September 2028, making him the second person to hold the role since its creation in 2024 after Prof. Stefan Lang. The appointment reflects CIVIS’s continued emphasis on experienced leadership to guide its next phase of development within the European Universities Initiative, where dozens of alliances collaborate to reshape higher education through transnational cooperation and innovation. In outlining his vision, Professor Iucu stressed the need for CIVIS to consolidate its position as a leading European alliance by strengthening its visibility, impact, and long-term sustainability. He highlighted ambitions to deepen integration among member institutions and expand the alliance’s influence in shaping the future of higher education, while preserving its distinctive civic and collaborative ethos. Building on its track record of innovation, CIVIS aims to further develop as a cohesive, influential network and a prominent voice in academic diplomacy, contributing actively to European-level educational transformation. [**Read more here**](https://unibuc.ro/un-mandat-european-pentru-viitorul-civis-profesorul-romita-iucu-ales-secretar-general-al-aliantei/?lang=en) Seven Years On: A Turning Point -------------------------------- Seven years after its creation, CIVIS has entered a phase of consolidation. The structures are in place, collaborations are active, and results are increasingly visible. As **Pascal Paschoud** observed, the transformation is already underway: ***“****Above all, CIVIS showed that shared values are not only discussed, but enacted. This is Europe in the making”.* In Bucharest, this shift was evident throughout: CIVIS is no longer defined by its ambition alone, but by its capacity to translate cooperation into practice: connecting people, institutions and ideas across Europe and beyond. **More than a network, CIVIS is increasingly a community in action. And that is great news!** --- *Photos: Esther Malice/Jeanne Sadzot (Communication Unit)* ***©*** *CIVIS* - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/260610-civisdays-bu-commsunit-18-618x_.jpg?token=c878e269db3d91266f49fac5d8157ce2) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/260610-civisdays-bu-commsunit-18-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=96f5089cd0a600e5bcaa8d3da6aa77ec) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-618x_.jpg?token=dd5d49d5685080f9957875911080226c) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=087fb8118e1d8318a7154a0082f8bf31) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-6-618x_.jpg?token=af455a75f30802425c6ae0a17e446bc7) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-6-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=874f2cba897ec0dd38145d354f531c92) - [ ![Click to enlarge](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-13-618x_.jpg?token=347d9ca4ba6f326da1637145caa0f206) ](https://civis.eu/storage/files/civisdays26-ub-commsunit-13-1600x1600-resize.jpg?token=e484e6bf639bad156c7604ccc37eacb7) - 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