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EUA events

How Europe and its universities can join forces for competitiveness and sustainable prosperity

05 Mar 2026 | 13.00 – 14.30 CET On-Site
European Parliament, Brussels

The live stream recording is now available to watch:

Research, innovation and education are crucial for Europe’s competitiveness and sustainable prosperity. Therefore, universities must be a full partner in solving our continent’s common challenges.

Indeed, critical thinking, respect for knowledge, evidence-based debate and peaceful cooperation across cultures and borders – as practiced by universities – are key elements of open, democratic and pluralistic societies. Yet these values and principles are contested by increasing polarisation, geopolitical conflicts and economic pressures. As stated in the EU’s Competitiveness Compass, what is at stake is much more than economic competitiveness, it is the European model.

As such, during this event the European University Association and Laurence Farreng MEP will bring together university and student representatives, European policy makers and stakeholders to discuss key questions such as:

  • How can we join forces to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and sustainable prosperity?
  • How can universities enhance their role as a partner for resilient, competitive and sustainable societies?
  • How can EU policies empower universities to make their contribution to key policy goals?
  • How can Europe reconcile political and economic demands with the needs of universities?

Moderation: Anna-Lena Claeys-Kulik, Senior Adviser for Policy Coordination & Foresight, EUA

Welcome address:

  • Laurence Farreng, Member of the European Parliament
  • Josep M. Garell, President, EUA

Presentation – Universities and competitiveness:

Thomas Jørgensen, Director for Policy Coordination & Foresight, EUA

Panel discussion:

  • Laurence Farreng MEP
  • Alexandr Hobza, Cabinet Expert, Cabinet of Stéphane Séjourné – Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, European Commission
  • Marcin Pałys, former Rector, University of Warsaw; Vice-President, EUA
  • Claire Skentelbery, Director General, EuropaBio – The European Association of Bioindustries
  • Lana Par, President, European Students’ Union

Closing words: Amanda Crowfoot, Secretary General, EUA

TAGS
Academic Freedom
Leadership
Academic Cooperation
European Values
Institutional Strategy
Competitiveness

Useful links

Universities and competitiveness       
A research, education and innovation partnership for Europe’s competitiveness       
Skills and education for Europe’s competitiveness – Response to the European Commission’s Communication on the Union of Skills      
Competitiveness Compass [European Commission]      
EUA’s work on the universities of the future      

Downloads

Presentation Key findings EUA report competitiveness      
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