FORTHEM Represented at European Universities Meeting with the European Commission

On 10 June in Brussels, Vincent Thomas, President of Université Bourgogne Europe (UBE), represented the FORTHEM Alliance at the meeting of rectors and presidents of European Universities organised with the European Commission. Alongside him, Professor Jacek Lipok, Rector of the University of Opole, also represented the alliance at this key event dedicated to the future of higher education in Europe.

The meeting brought together leaders of higher education institutions participating in the European Universities Initiative, launched in 2019 to strengthen academic cooperation across borders, languages and cultures. It provided an opportunity to engage with representatives of the European Commission on the major priorities shaping the future of European higher education.

Discussions focused on deepening collaboration among European institutions, fostering innovation in teaching and research, and enhancing support for students, researchers and university communities. Participants also explored ways to further strengthen the role of university alliances in the development of the European Higher Education Area.

For Université Bourgogne Europe, a founding member of the FORTHEM Alliance, participation in this meeting highlights its strong commitment to a more integrated, innovative and inclusive European knowledge ecosystem. By representing FORTHEM before the European Commission, Vincent Thomas helped ensure that the perspectives and ambitions of the alliance’s partner universities were heard in discussions on the future of higher education in Europe.

UBE’s presence in Brussels also reflects the university’s active role in addressing key European challenges related to education, research and international mobility. Through its involvement in FORTHEM, Université Bourgogne Europe continues to expand its European reach while creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and international engagement for its academic community.