OpenEU at the European Universities Rectors & Presidents High-level meeting with the European Commission

This week, OpenEU was in Brussels for the European Commission’s high-level meeting, where over 150 Rectors and Presidents from Europe’s University Alliances gathered to discuss the future of higher education, innovation, and competitiveness across the continent.

Our alliance was strongly represented by Àngels Fitó (President of the Open University of Catalonia, UOC) and Manolis Koutouzis (Rector of the Hellenic Open University, HOU), standing alongside academic leaders to reinforce a shared commitment to the European Universities Initiative.

The summit, hosted by Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, made one thing clear: European University Alliances are no longer just an ambitious project—they are a core pillar of Europe’s future strategy. A major milestone of the meeting was the presentation of the European Degree Label, a crucial step forward that will fundamentally change how joint programmes are recognised across borders.

Key Takeaways from the Summit

• Governing AI

  Roxana Mînzatu highlighted the irreplaceable role of academia in the digital transition, stating: “We need a global conversation on AI in terms of governance, ownership. Universities are the best place to launch it.”

• The Parliamentary Vision

  Marcos Ros (Member of the European Parliament, urged the sector to boldly champion the value of these alliances. He made it clear that for the initiative to truly succeed, the European Parliament is pushing for progress on four critical fronts:

  • Sustainable funding: Moving away from short-term grants towards long-term, predictable financial support.

  • Removing barriers: Overcoming legal obstacles to make the full European Degree a reality.

  • Research integration: Connecting classrooms and laboratories across borders much more deeply.

  • Territorial cohesion: Ensuring these alliances act as inclusive networks that benefit all regions, rather than becoming exclusive, elite clubs.

Reflecting on the event, OpenEU President Àngels Fitó noted:

We are at a crucial moment to secure the long-term sustainability of European Alliances. At OpenEU, we stand ready to showcase our impact—both within our community and across the wider system.

As one of the alliances actively transforming the European Education Area, OpenEU remains dedicated to breaking down barriers, sharing open resources, and boosting global competitiveness to build a stronger, value-based, and more democratic Europe.