HEROES represented at the 4th European Universities Initiative Forum 2026

The HEROES Alliance was represented at the 4th European Universities Initiative Forum 2026, held last week at Maynooth University, Ireland, by João C. Martins, Professor at the Polytechnic University of Beja (IPBeja) and Institutional Coordinator of the Alliance in Portugal.

Organized under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Forum brought together representatives of the European Commission, the European University Association (EUA), national authorities, higher education leaders and members of all 73 European Universities Alliances. The event provided a unique opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the European Universities Initiative and to discuss its future development within the European Higher Education Area.

From implementation to long-term impact

As the European Universities Initiative enters a new phase, discussions focused on moving beyond project implementation towards long-term sustainability and institutional transformation.

Participants explored how European alliances can strengthen their strategic impact through sustainable funding models, effective governance, educational innovation, research collaboration, quality assurance and stronger student engagement. The Forum also highlighted the growing role of university alliances in addressing Europe’s major societal challenges while contributing to regional development and resilience.

A shared message emerged throughout the event: the European Universities Initiative has become one of the European Union’s flagship higher education initiatives, creating deeper, more structured cooperation between higher education institutions across Europe. Ensuring its long-term success will require continued commitment from both European institutions and Member States.

Strengthening the European Universities community

The Forum also showcased inspiring examples of collaboration across alliances, demonstrating how European Universities are transforming higher education through innovative learning pathways, enhanced student and staff mobility, joint research, stronger regional engagement and closer cooperation with external stakeholders.

For the HEROES Alliance, participation in the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to contributing actively to the future of European higher education while strengthening collaboration with partner alliances and European policy-makers.

“The Forum demonstrated that the future of higher education lies in deeper collaboration between universities, regions and society. European University Alliances are no longer pilot initiatives –  they are becoming strategic drivers of innovation, resilience and educational transformation across Europe,” says João C. Martins, Institutional Coordinator of the HEROES Alliance.

By participating in discussions that shape the next chapter of the European Universities Initiative, HEROES Alliance continues to contribute to a more connected, innovative and resilient European Higher Education: creating opportunities for students, staff, researchers and regional communities alike.