Ingolstadt, Germany – 24 October 2025
The ACE²-EU Annual Congress 2025 marks a pivotal milestone in the Alliance’s journey towards establishing a legally recognised European inter-university campus with European and global reach, reputation, and impact. The Congress brings together representatives from partner universities, the European Commission, regional authorities, and students to celebrate achievements from the first year of implementation and to advance the Alliance’s strategic mission: Addressing Future Challenges and Delivering Sustainable Societal Transformation Today.
Official Opening Ceremony (09:00–09:30)
The event opens with welcoming remarks from distinguished speakers:
Professor Dr. Walter Schober, President of Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), welcoming participants and underlining ACE²-EU’s local and regional impact in Germany.
Professor João Moutão, President of Instituto Politécnico de Santarém (Portugal) and Coordinator of the ACE²-EU Alliance, reflecting on the Alliance’s achievements and its collective vision for the coming years.
Tobias Haaf, Representative of the Bavarian State, highlighting regional commitment to European education and innovation.
Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, representing the Cabinet of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Roxana Mînzatu, addressing the strategic importance of the European Universities Initiative in shaping Europe’s higher education landscape.
Celebrating Year One Achievements (09:45–10:30)
Following an opening student cultural performance celebrating European diversity, the programme will highlight the Alliance’s Year One progress through:
- Presentations by Work Package Leaders (Operational Team),
- Outcomes from the Applied Blended Challenge courses (ABCs),
- Stakeholder testimonials, and
- The premiere of the ACE²-EU Annual Congress Video, capturing the transformative journey of the consortium during our congress.
Panel Discussion: “Addressing Future Challenges Through Collaboration” (11:15 – 11:45)
A high-level panel discussion will bring together experts from other European University Alliances to explore collaborative solutions for the twin transitions, digital and green and other pressing socio-economic challenges. The 30-minute session (including live Q&A and audience polling) fostered interactive engagement and cross-alliance dialogue on future directions for European higher education.
Cultural Exchange and Networking
Throughout the morning, student cultural performances celebrated the richness and diversity of European identities, reinforcing ACE²-EU’s commitment to inclusion, creativity, and intercultural understanding.
Closing Ceremony (11:45 – 12:00)
The event concluded with closing remarks, a final student performance, and the official group photo, symbolising unity, collaboration, and the shared vision that drives the ACE²-EU Alliance forward.
About ACE²-EU The Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged European University Alliance (ACE²-EU) is a forward-looking partnership of higher education institutions committed to driving educational innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. Its mission is to equip students, staff, and stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to collectively address global challenges through education, research, and societal engagement.
