EUNICE extends its collaboration beyond Europe's borders

September 20, 2024 - Mons, Belgium. On September 19 and 20, the University of Mons (UMONS) in Belgium hosted the EUNICE General Assembly, marking an important milestone in the growth of the European university network. One of the key moments was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Université Mohammed VI (Casablanca), in the presence of its rector, Hicham El Habti, symbolizing a new era of collaboration with non-European partners.

This assembly was also marked by a transition of leadership, with UMONS Rector Philippe Dubois handing over the Presidency of the AISBL EUNICE to UPHF President Abdelhakim Artiba, who will assume the role from November 1 for a two-year term. Prof. Minna Martikainen (University of Vaasa) will assume the vice-presidency. This handover represents a commitment to continuing AISBL's progress in EUNICE's mission.

A dynamic exchange between the EUNICE Student Advisory Board and university rectors and presidents explored innovative ideas for the future of the network, highlighting the active role of students in the direction of the European university: "our 10 universities share a common DNA: they wish to consolidate their international visibility, are strongly rooted locally and place their students at the heart of their concerns", emphasized Philippe Dubois.

This assembly also featured a workshop dedicated to EUNICE's Programs of Excellence, having brought together the coordinators of the joint degree programs and the vice-rectors delegated to education from all the partner universities (Franck Barbier, for UPHF). "We are focusing on expanding transnational education and research through several key programs. Firstly, the alliance is committed to enriching its course offering with online and hybrid courses, which have already attracted 2,500 participants in the last academic year. A major priority is the creation and implementation of joint European degrees, part of our Programs of Excellence strategy," said president Abdelhakim Artiba.

The implementation of these innovative and unprecedented European degrees would offer new opportunities for students by enabling them to obtain a new type of degree awarded jointly by a group of universities across Europe, and automatically recognized in the European Union.

Vice President Minna Martikainen also points out that through EUNICE, "its partner universities and their regions have access to a large pool of future-oriented teaching and research, responding to global skills needs and offering new experiences. This collaboration not only enriches the academic experience of students and staff, but also stimulates regional development through innovative projects that respond to local and global challenges."

The General Assembly provided an opportunity to discuss the integration of the EUNICE and REUNICE initiatives into the ongoing EUNICE4U project, which will continue beyond December 2024.

EUNICE delegations also attended UMONS' solemn academic opening ceremony, where the importance of international collaboration in higher education and EUNICE's lasting impact on partner universities were highlighted. The event celebrated both the start of the academic year and the continued success of this ambitious European university network.