Two years after the outbreak of war at the edge of Europe; a war which has been heavy in human casualties and burdens the people of Ukraine with loss, suffering, and struggle for their future, it is the moment to reflect on their bravery and our responsibility to uphold the European values they are fighting for.

In April 2022 and in coherence with the EC2U values, the Ivan Franko University of Lviv, Ukraine, was welcomed as Strategic Partner for its long-standing, comprehensive, education-driven and research-intensive university profile, at the image of EC2U Universities. Over these last two years the EC2U Alliance has been honoured to develop a friendship with the University of Lviv in Western Ukraine and today we confirm our heartfelt commitment towards this community. Since November 2023, the Ivan Franko University of Lviv is an official Partner to the EC2U Alliance.

In an earnest address to the EC2U academic communities, Volodymyr Melnyk, rector of the University of Lviv, celebrates the citizens of Ukraine and reaffirms the role of long-lasting cooperation with the EC2U Alliance stating “Our principles and goals are the same: peace and justice, welfare and prosperity, democracy and freedom.”

It is this shared vision that makes the collaboration between the university of Lviv and the eight universities of the EC2U Alliance meaningful. It is these common values that bring our communities together.In commitment to these values, the EC2U Alliance will enrich its activities with the UNSDG#16 “Peace, justice, and strong institutions” during its consolidation phase; creating opportunities for our students and our broader communities to consolidate and strengthen the democracy and freedom we are so privileged to have.

The EC2U Alliance restates its solidarity and support for Lviv University and the people of Ukraine as they traverse this difficult time, wishing them prosperity, freedom and a brighter future.