Since its launch, the EU GREEN Alliance has worked towards reshaping higher education by integrating sustainability across learning, research, and institutional governance. Bringing together nine universities from across Europe, the alliance has made significant progress in areas such as governance, mobility, research, student engagement, and digital transformation, setting the stage for a more interconnected and forward-looking academic network. As we reflect on the first two years of EU GREEN, it is evident that the alliance is delivering tangible outcomes that contribute to a more sustainable and globally engaged European higher education system.
Strengthening Governance and Digital Integration
A key milestone of EU GREEN has been the establishment of a robust governance structure, ensuring smooth coordination across its partner institutions. Over the past two years, the alliance has convened eight Board of Rectors meetings, eight Senate meetings, 47 Executive Committee meetings, and eight Student Council meetings, providing a structured framework for decision-making and long-term strategy development. These governance mechanisms ensure that the alliance continues to be driven by collective input from universities, students, and administrative bodies.
To support collaboration and information exchange, EU GREEN has invested heavily in digital infrastructure and IT integration. A major achievement has been the implementation of EduGAIN authentication across eight institutions, allowing for seamless access to shared platforms. Additionally, an infrastructure pilot is currently underway, laying the groundwork for a fully integrated digital system that will facilitate cross-border education, research, and communication.
Transforming Education: New Learning Pathways and Innovative Programs
At the heart of EU GREEN’s mission is the transformation of education, ensuring that sustainability and interdisciplinary learning are embedded in academic programs. One of the most notable achievements has been the develompment of three international joint degree programs, marking a significant step toward cross-border education. These pilot degrees focus on critical areas such as ecological transition, sustainable energy, and intelligent rural development, aligning with the alliance’s vision to equip students with future-proof skills.
Beyond joint degrees, EU GREEN has greatly expanded short-term learning opportunities, fostering international collaboration and practical learning experiences. Over the past two years, the alliance has implemented 14 Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs), with a total of 413 participants, enabling students and staff to engage in short, intensive courses across partner universities. Additionally, 24 Language Cafés, involving 267 participants, have been organized to promote linguistic exchange and intercultural communication, alongside four Masterclasses, attended by 281 participants, offering expert insights on sustainability, education, and innovation.
The alliance has also reinforced its commitment to entrepreneurial and challenge-based learning through key events such as the Entrepreneurship Festival, which attracted over 150 participants interested in innovation and sustainability-driven business ideas. Inspiration Days engaged more than 600 students and staff in discussions about future careers, mobility, and personal development, while Innovation Days brought together over 120 participants to explore cutting-edge solutions to global challenges. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, EU GREEN is equipping students and educators with the tools needed to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.
Driving Research and Knowledge Creation
EU GREEN is not only transforming education but also playing a crucial role in advancing research and knowledge dissemination. Over the past two years, the alliance has established six operational research clusters addressing key sustainability challenges across disciplines. Forty-seven seed-funded projects have been proposed, with 19 of these projects currently ongoing. A total of 128 joint publications have resulted from EU GREEN collaborations, highlighting the strength of cross-institutional research efforts. Furthermore, 10 co-supervised PhD theses have been developed, demonstrating the alliance’s commitment to fostering emerging researchers.
The alliance has successfully launched major EU-funded research initiatives, including two KA2 projects—TECHSKILL and SLS4TEENS—as well as a prestigious Erasmus Mundus program. These projects reinforce the alliance’s contribution to global knowledge production and interdisciplinary research.
Expanding Mobility and Student Participation
EU GREEN has actively supported student and staff mobility, recognizing the importance of intercultural exchange and cross-border academic collaboration. Over the past two years, the alliance has launched the mobility tracker pilot, with full deployment planned for 2025 to streamline mobility programs across institutions. By creating pathways for inter-university mobility, EU GREEN enables students to study across multiple institutions, expanding their academic and professional horizons.
The alliance has also prioritized multilingualism and cultural exchange through initiatives such as Language Cafés and intercultural dialogue events, which enhance linguistic diversity and foster a sense of community among students and staff.
Strengthening Regional and Societal Engagement
Beyond academia, EU GREEN has expanded its engagement with external stakeholders, ensuring that university-led initiatives have a real-world impact. The alliance has organized eight engagement joint challenges, bringing together universities and external partners to tackle regional sustainability issues. It has also hosted five science webinars, attended by 260 participants, showcasing research-driven solutions to pressing environmental and social challenges, while engaging 610 external stakeholders in strengthening the connection between academia, industry, and civil society. These efforts demonstrate EU GREEN’s commitment to making higher education a driver of positive change, both within universities and in the wider community.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Growth and Innovation
As EU GREEN moves forward, the alliance remains focused on expanding its academic programs, strengthening research collaborations, and deepening engagement with regional partners. In the coming years, the alliance is set to continue developing interdisciplinary programs with the goal of launching at least five new joint degrees in sustainability and other key fields, expand its research initiatives and seed-funded projects to ensure long-term sustainability for academic collaborations, and further integrate sustainability into all aspects of university life, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With over 158,000 students and 18,000 staff members across nine partner universities, EU GREEN is well-positioned to lead the way in sustainable and innovative higher education. By continuing to foster collaboration, research, and student mobility, the alliance is building a model for the future of European universities—one that is inclusive, interdisciplinary, and deeply committed to sustainability.
The achievements of EU GREEN in its first two years are a testament to the power of collaborative governance, innovative education, and forward-thinking research. By laying a solid foundation for future growth, the alliance is demonstrating how European higher education can evolve to meet global challenges. As EU GREEN continues its journey, it remains dedicated to shaping a more sustainable, interconnected, and impactful academic community across Europe.
