European Commission highlights best practices of EC2U Alliance

  • European Commission highlights best practices of EC2U Alliance
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Many activities of EC2U are emphasised in the recent "Report on the outcomes and transformational potential of the European Universities initiative," published by the European Commission, as positive examples.

The European Commission (EC) has highlighted several initiatives promoted by the EC2U Alliance as best practice activities in its recently published ‘Report on the outcomes and transformational potential of the European Universities initiative‘. The document analyses the implementation of the pilot phase of alliances funded by the European Commission through the European Universities Initiative and mentions EC2U activities as positive examples in various areas, including student engagement, collaboration with strategic partners, and the development of Master’s programmes.

The following initiatives are recognised as key good practices:

  • The EC2U Ambassadors Programme, which involves students from all partner universities in disseminating activities across campuses, fostering mobility and collaboration;
  • The EC2U app, a multilingual mobile application providing relevant information about each partner university and city;
  • The joint Master’s Programmes in ‘Sustainable Cities and Communities’, ‘Lifelong Well-being and Healthy Ageing’, and ‘European Languages, Cultures and Societies in Contact’.

Other activities organised by EC2U were also cited by the EC as positive examples. The Career Plan Certificate, which helps EC2U students and young researchers build knowledge and collaborate at the European level, is highlighted as an outstanding initiative. The three EC2U Virtual Institutes – Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Sustainable Cities and Communities – are also mentioned. These institutes bring together interdisciplinary teams of students, researchers, academics, and other professionals in a variety of remote activities, including training, knowledge exchange, and joint projects, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The interaction of EC2U universities with strategic partners is also highlighted in the report, including the coordination of the EC2U Plenary Council, which brings together several partner organisations in each city.

The EC2U Alliance is currently in its consolidation phase and has received additional funding from the European Commission as part of the European Universities Initiative. This funding will strengthen the alliance and enhance cooperation among its member universities. It will promote mobility, support the development of new educational models, and further advance the unique collaboration among academic communities, regional authorities, socioeconomic actors, and citizens.