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CHARM-EU partner universities and their cities reinforce their alliance with the signing of the Poitiers-Granada Declaration from the Coimbra Group

CHARM-EU partner universities and their cities reinforce their alliance with the signing of the Poitiers-Granada Declaration from the Coimbra Group

Promoted by the Coimbra Group, the Poitiers-Granada declaration advocates for collaboration between universities and cities as a tool to strengthen democracy, sustainability, innovation, and social cohesion.

A large group of people pose for a group photo in an outdoor park setting with trees and apartment buildings in the background.

2026 Coimbra Group Annual Conference

The signing builds upon the work carried out during the 2026 Coimbra Group Annual Conference and General Assembly, which took place at the University of Granada from June 16 to 19 under the theme “Transforming the local and social environment through Research and Innovation.” The meeting brought together historic, research-intensive universities from across Europe to reflect on the role of academic institutions in social, territorial, and institutional transformation.

Representing the core values of CHARM-EU, a high-level delegation from the University of Barcelona (UB), led by its Rector Joan Guàrdia Olmos, actively shaped the conference’s key debates. Discussions pushed far beyond traditional teaching and research, exploring how universities can act as vital anchor institutions for their local communities, social agents, and public administrations.

The conference centered on four interconnected pillars driving future academic and civic strategy:

  • Territorial Transformation: Deeply rooting research and innovation within local regional ecosystems.
  • AI and Democracy: Harnessing artificial intelligence to support and protect democratic institutions.
  • Localized SDGs: Accelerating the integration of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at the municipal level.
  • Science Diplomacy & European Alliances: Utilizing networks like the Coimbra Group and European Universities alliances to generate shared solutions to complex geopolitical and institutional challenges.

The Poitiers-Granada Declaration: A New Vision for Cities and Universities

The defining milestone of the 2026 General Assembly was the official launch of the Poitiers-Granada Declaration on the Collaboration between Universities and Cities.

This declaration updates and expands upon the landmark 2016 Poitiers Declaration, which was heavily praised by the European Commission for formalizing the civic role of universities. The new Poitier-Granada Declaration establishes an ambitious framework for the next decade. It was signed on June 19th by Coimbra Group leadership.

Several partner universities from the CHARM-EU alliance have already signed the new Poitiers-Granada Declaration, including Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Åbo Akademi University, and the  University of Barcelona. Notably, the rector of the University of Barcelona (UB), Joan Guàrdia, and the mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, officially signed the declaration at the Barcelona Science Park on June 23, 2026.

Leadership Milestone for CHARM-EU Partner

In a major moment for our alliance network, Raúl Ramos, Vice-Rector for Internationalization Policy at the University of Barcelona, was officially elected to the Coimbra Group Executive Board for the 2026–2030 term.

This appointment ensures that CHARM-EU’s vision of inclusive, innovative, and deeply cooperative European education remains at the very heart of the Coimbra Group’s strategic direction for years to come.