Between 10 and 12 March 2026, the University of Oradea hosted a new meeting of partners from the European University Alliance EU GREEN. More than 50 representatives from the nine member universities gathered for a series of workshops and working sessions dedicated to strengthening cooperation in sustainability, community engagement and inclusion in higher education.
Opening the event, Anca Otilia Dodescu, Vice-Rector of the University of Oradea, highlighted the importance of collaboration between partner universities and the strong relationships developed within the alliance.
“There would be so much to say, but first of all I want to say that it is a wonderful experience. We are no longer just teams. Perhaps more than an alliance, we are friends. Teams of friends who work very easily and very well together,” she said.
Over the three days, participants discussed joint initiatives, examined good practices and created space for dialogue between academic staff, students and institutional partners within two major areas of action of the alliance: the engagement of universities with society and the development of policies for access, diversity and inclusion.
Community engagement and the role of universities in society
An important component of the event focused on initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of universities in the development of sustainable societies and economies. The workshops explored how universities can collaborate with public authorities, civil society organisations and the economic sector to identify solutions to current societal challenges.
The sessions emphasised the exchange of good practices and the development of collaborative projects bringing together students, researchers and external partners. In this context, student involvement was a central element of the programme.
The programme also included a session dedicated to strategies for collaboration with local stakeholders, delivered by Răzvan Pătcaș, Director of the Bihor Science and Technology Park. His presentation provided participants with an overview of how innovation infrastructures can help connect universities with the economic sector and regional innovation ecosystems.
Complementing the discussions, participants had the opportunity to visit the Bihor Science and Technology Park and the Technology Transfer Centre of the University of Oradea. The visit provided a practical framework for presenting local initiatives dedicated to innovation, technology transfer and cooperation between universities, industry and public authorities.
During a session dedicated to student engagement, students shared their experiences from the international EU GREEN activities in which they had participated and reflected on their impact on their academic and personal development. They emphasised that such initiatives “bring people together” and create opportunities for students to develop their skills and challenge themselves.
Participants also noted that collaborative projects contribute to the development of professional skills and provide direct contact with the socio-economic environment. Students highlighted that such experiences can have a real impact on their training and on the communities in which they are involved.
Access, diversity and inclusion in European universities
The other component of the event focused on initiatives related to access to education, diversity and inclusion within European universities. The University of Oradea coordinates these activities within the alliance, and the meeting offered an opportunity to review progress and outline the next steps.
The event organised at the University of Oradea once again demonstrated the role of the EU GREEN alliance as a platform for academic cooperation and European dialogue.
Frances Lucy, coordinator of WP5 dedicated to societal engagement within the alliance, remarked on the atmosphere and collaborative spirit that characterise EU GREEN meetings:
“The warmth, hospitality and pride of our hosts can be felt. I believe this is the spirit we need now. We should be proud to be Europeans and affirm our shared values.”
Raquel Perez-Aloe Valverde, Acting General Coordinator of the EU GREEN alliance, also emphasised the role of European values in strengthening collaboration between universities:
“We are already a family, the EU GREEN family, professionals devoted to sustainability and cooperation. In difficult moments such as those the world is facing today, affirming European values – equality, solidarity and cooperation – is essential.”
The event confirmed that, beyond projects and activities, EU GREEN functions as a European academic community where partnerships, shared experiences and common values contribute to building a more sustainable and inclusive future.
