Representatives from the European Universities alliances were called last May 5th to participate in a high-level event in Paris. The morning session was co-organised by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen to launch the programme ‘Choose Europe for Science’, encouraging researchers and entrepreneurs to choose Europe as their home. Several CHARM-EU Rectors and Vice-Rectors attended the event. In the afternoon, the delegates participated in a session organised by the Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness of the European Commission.

The aim of the event was to encourage public and private researchers and entrepreneurs to choose Europe and France as their home. President Von der Leyen pointed out during her speech that “Europe uphold the principles of open science, open education and data sharing”. Ursula von der Leyen also stated, “Europe is choosing to make science a core value.” The new ‘Magnet for Researchers’ programme, with €500 million through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and European Research Council (ERC), is one of the many initiatives launched to support this commitment. French President echoed this message, affirming that there is no democracy without free and recognised science and scientists. He extended an invitation to those who value a science-based, democratic society to come to Europe. His government will add €100M for those choosing France.

The role of European Universities alliances in equipping the youth with skills needed for Europe’s competitiveness

In the afternoon, Prof. Joan Guàrdia, Rector of the University of Barcelona participated as key speaker representing CHARM-EU in the high-level workshop “The future of European Universities Alliance: Progress and Developments”. The workshop was co-opened by François Germinet, Special advisor, French Ministry for Higher Education and Research, and by Vanessa Debiais Santon, Member of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, from the European Commission. Germinet pointed out that “European Universities Alliances are a powerful lever for developing internationalisation”

The roundtable “Enhancing EU’s higher education attractiveness: the role of European Universities alliances in equipping the youth with skills needed for Europe’s competitiveness” was chaired by Vanessa Debiais-Sainton and brought together Prof. Joan Guàrdia Olmos (University of Barcelona, CHARM-EU alliance), Prof. Beatrix Busse (University of Cologne, EUniWell Alliance) and Prof. Rose Marie Beck (University of Applied Sciences of Karlsruhe, INGENIUM alliance), and Prof. Jean-Marc Planeix (University of Strasburg, EPICUR alliance).

Representatives highlighted the crucial role of European University Alliances in shaping the future of higher education, science, and sustainable well-being for all people and the planet. Representatives also discussed EU’s higher education attractiveness through the role of European Universities alliances in equipping the youth with skills needed for Europe’s competitiveness.

_{Rectors of European Universities Alliances attend high-level workshop in Brussels. Professor Joan Guàrdia from the University of Barcelona shares here some insights on CHARM-EU.}

Furthermore, in today’s challenging global context, European University Alliances are not only ready but already actively engaged in addressing key issues such as scientific leadership in Europe, independence of research and researchers, knowledge as a common good and a long-term investment.

Alliances also foster Academic freedom and freedom of speech, talent attraction and retention in Europe.