Štip, North Macedonia – 24 March 2026
The ACE²-EU Rectors and Presidents Steering Group (RPSG) Meeting officially commenced today at Goce Delčev University in Štip, bringing together institutional leaders from across the Alliance to discuss strategic priorities and future development.
Held on 24–25 March 2026, the meeting aims to align member institutions on key aspects including operational progress, the establishment of a legal entity, strategic development, and expanded collaboration within the ACE²-EU Alliance.
Day 1: Strategic Alignment and Governance
The first day of the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the Alliance and strengthening operational coordination. Discussions addressed the current state of implementation, key challenges, and opportunities for expanding joint activities and deepening integration across partner institutions.
A central highlight of the day was the session on establishing the ACE²-EU legal entity, which outlined the proposed governance structure, membership obligations, financial model, and the timeline for its development.
In addition, participants took part in the formal signing of the GDPR Agreement, marking an important step in ensuring data protection compliance and reinforcing trust among Alliance members.
Institutional Integration and Strategic Development
The afternoon sessions were dedicated to strategic discussions led by Rectors and Presidents, who presented how ACE²-EU initiatives are being integrated into their institutional strategies, governance frameworks, and operational activities.
These exchanges provided valuable insights into:
- mainstreaming ACE²-EU within institutional priorities
- scaling up joint programmes and initiatives
- strengthening long-term sustainability and impact
The day concluded with a plenary discussion summarizing key takeaways and outlining directions for future collaboration.
