All members of the EC2U network share a uniting feature: our universities are deeply rooted in our cities’ society, and at the same time our cities shape these universities. This superb interplay has thrived for centuries and today is needed more than ever to meet the challenges of the future. It is vital that we move closer together and deepen our network in Europe. We can learn a lot from one another, both in science and in managing the city of the future.

I am highly pleased the 6th EC2U Forum is taking place in Jena and I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all our guests. The program is packed to the brim. Sustainability is a topic of general concern, likewise the topic of health is important to everyone, even personally. I wish you wonderful days in Jena, filled with pleasant encounters and stimulating discussions. And please do enjoy spring in our city and its wonderful surroundings.

Dr. Thomas Nitsche, Oberbürgermeister/Lord Mayor of Jena

On behalf of the entire academic community at Friedrich Schiller University Jena, it is my honour to welcome the participants of the 6th Forum of the ‘European Campus of City Universities (EC2U)’ in Jena. The European Universities initiative has evolved to become a driving force for implementing new and innovative models of pan-European collaboration. It involves not only students, researchers and staff, but also builds on networks of cities and numerous stakeholders, such as industry and the respective education systems. EC2U is fully committed to contribute to an ambitious vision of an innovative, attractive and globally competitive European Education Area. For the University of Jena, EC2U has a high strategic importance. Jointly with the Alliance partners, we want to provide quality education, share knowledge across the Alliance, and create models to develop future skills needed to tackle the challenges ahead. At this year’s Forum in Jena, our Community of Action theme is an open invitation to our academic community as well as to our citizens to actively engage and participate.

Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal, President, Friedrich Schiller University Jena

The idea of unity behind the European Union is more important than ever these days. But it only works if it is also lived. This is where the university alliance “European Campus of City-Universities” makes an important contribution. It gives young people the opportunity to experience Europe abroad in the form of a study visit. Thanks to such an exchange, young people do not perceive the EU merely as an abstract construct. Instead, they experience first-hand what it means to be a part of it. Europe suddenly becomes more tangible. For this door-opening, I appreciate the European Campus of City-Universities and am proud that the Friedrich Schiller University is part of the network.

Minister Tiefensee, Thuringian State Minister of Economy, Science and the Digital Society.

The entire Team of ESN Jena e.V. warmly welcomes you to our beautiful city of Jena, host of the 6th EC2U forum. As one of the oldest ESN sections in Germany, we are proud to be part of this European university alliance, which enables us to pursue our mission of cultural understanding and self-development even further as well as to build a stronger connection to other European cities. Following the principle of Students Helping Students, our volunteers are excited to meet you all during this week’s activities.

Luisa Wöllner, President of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Jena e.V.