Paris, 5 May 2025 – Under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron, the Sorbonne University hosted one of the most important events for the future of European research: Choose Europe, Choose France for Science. The event marked the official launch of the “Choose France for Science” platform and reaffirmed Europe’s role as a safe and competitive space for high-level scientific collaboration.
The ACE²-EU European University Alliance was proudly represented by Professor Luminița-Georgeta Popescu, Rector of Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu Jiu (UCB). Her presence highlighted not only Romania’s academic engagement at the European level but also the Alliance’s commitment to strengthening sustainable and competitive academic networks across Europe.
Celebrating Eight Years of European University Alliances
The event opened with a celebration of the 8th anniversary of the European Universities Initiative, a milestone that today connects 65 alliances and over 570 higher education institutions across Europe. The gathering brought together current and former leaders of these alliances to reflect on progress, exchange perspectives, and shape future strategies for cross-border academic cooperation.
A Platform to Foster International Research Mobility
President Macron’s newly launched Choose France for Science platform is part of the France 2030 strategy and aims to promote the international mobility of researchers, particularly in priority areas such as health, AI, clean energy, climate studies, and sustainable agriculture. France is positioning itself as a hub for researchers facing academic restrictions globally, offering financial support through co-funded initiatives.
High-Level Workshop: Rethinking the Future of Alliances
The second part of the day featured a high-level workshop titled “The Future of European University Alliances: Progress and Developments”, held at the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Key discussions included:
- Opening Session: “Balancing long-term vision and short-term goals: the challenges of European University Alliances”, with François Germinet (Special Advisor, French Ministry) and Vanessa Debiais Santon (European Commission).
- Roundtable: “Enhancing the EU’s higher education attractiveness: the role of European Universities Alliances in equipping the youth with skills for Europe’s competitiveness”.
- Roundtable: “Towards a strategic vision of structural investment for European university Alliances: moving beyond the project logic”.
A Strong Message from ACE²-EU
Rector Popescu emphasised that participating in these efforts at European level is both an academic opportunity and a social responsibility.
“For a young university in a region heavily affected by the energy transition, workforce migration, and population aging, being part of a European university Alliance is not just an academic milestone – it’s a long-term commitment to the future of our local and regional communities. International research networks mean access to real solutions for real structural challenges,” she stated.
They were joined by high-ranking French state officials, as well as rectors and presidents of some of the most prestigious universities across Europe, creating a platform for academic and political dialogue of the highest caliber. The presence of these key leaders provided a strategic vision for shaping the future of European science.
This presence at such a strategic forum reinforces ACE²-EU’s belief in the power of transnational academic cooperation and its role as a key contributor to a more inclusive, resilient, and knowledge-driven European future.
