Santarém, Portugal, 2 June 2026 – Leaders of the ACE²-EU (Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged European University) Alliance gathered at Santarém Polytechnic University (IPSantarém), Portugal, for the Rectors and Presidents Steering Group (RPSG) Meeting, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening European higher education through deeper institutional cooperation, innovation, and international engagement.
The two-day meeting brought together rectors, presidents, and senior representatives from the alliance’s partner institutions to review progress, define strategic priorities, and take important steps toward the long-term sustainability of the alliance.
A major milestone of the meeting was the advancement of ACE²-EU’s pilot legal entity. Alliance leaders discussed and formally signed key statutes and bylaws, laying the foundation for a stronger and more integrated governance structure that will support future collaboration and joint initiatives.
Participants also reviewed progress against strategic objectives and key performance indicators, assessed ongoing activities, and discussed future developments aligned with the ACE²-EU strategic plan. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving European Universities Initiative and to reflect on the role of national ministries and public agencies in supporting transnational university alliances.
Another central topic was the international dimension of the alliance. Discussions focused on global outreach, talent attraction, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems, highlighting how universities can contribute to regional development through stronger connections between academia, industry, and society.
The Steering Group also addressed the future development of joint academic programmes, including the establishment of an Academic Council, support mechanisms for collaborative educational initiatives, and sustainable funding approaches. Preparations for the upcoming ACE²-EU Annual Congress and future alliance activities were likewise reviewed.
Speaking on behalf of the alliance, the Steering Group emphasized that ACE²-EU continues to build a collaborative European university ecosystem that empowers students, researchers, staff, and regional stakeholders while contributing to the European Higher Education Area.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advancing the alliance’s strategic objectives, strengthening institutional cooperation, and expanding opportunities for innovation, mobility, and international engagement across all partner institutions.
