On 29 September 2026, the ACE²-EU community came together online for the Virtual Town Hall Meeting Our Values in Action, an inspiring event dedicated to exploring how European values can be transformed from guiding principles into meaningful actions within higher education.
Bringing together staff, students, and representatives from partner universities, the meeting created a space for reflection, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas on the role of shared values in shaping the future of European universities.
The event was led by Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinovska Krstevska from Goce Delcev University, Stip, who encouraged participants to consider what it truly means to belong to a European University Alliance built on common values. Her presentation emphasized that alliances are much more than institutional structures or funded projects. They are communities united by democracy, dignity, freedom, equality, human rights, solidarity, peace, and the rule of law.
A key focus of the discussion was how these values can become visible in everyday university life. Participants explored practical ways of embedding them into teaching, mobility, governance, research, and community engagement. The session also showcased the ACE²-EU Values Brochure and ACE²-EU Values Toolbox, resources designed to help universities translate shared principles into concrete actions and long-term institutional culture.
The Town Hall demonstrated that ACE²-EU is already taking important steps towards making European values an integral part of Alliance activities. Interactive and innovative initiatives presented during the event showed how values can be promoted through creativity, participation, and collaboration. Mateusz Kirjak from the Medical University of Gdańsk introduced engaging educational tools such as the EUMOJI card game and the “Meme the Union” initiative, offering practical examples of how complex topics can be explored in accessible and enjoyable ways.
The student perspective was brought by Alexandru Popescu, member of the ACE²-EU Student Advisory Board and Master’s student at Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu-Jiu. Drawing on his own experiences, he reflected on how mobility, intercultural exchange, and international cooperation help students experience European values in practice. His contribution highlighted the importance of creating opportunities that allow values to be lived rather than simply discussed.
The discussion continued beyond the presentations, with participants actively engaging in conversations on inclusion, accessibility, student mobility, and active citizenship. The questions and reflections shared during the meeting demonstrated a genuine interest in strengthening the impact of European values across the Alliance and ensuring that opportunities remain accessible to all members of the academic community.
What made this edition of the Virtual Town Hall particularly valuable was the combination of expert knowledge, practical examples, and authentic student voices. The event provided not only inspiration but also tangible ideas that can be implemented across ACE²-EU institutions. It reinforced the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual learning as essential elements of a strong European University Alliance.
The overwhelmingly positive atmosphere and high level of engagement clearly showed that there is a strong need for more initiatives of this kind. Events such as the ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall help foster a sense of community, encourage meaningful exchange across borders, and strengthen the shared values that unite the Alliance. As ACE²-EU continues to grow, conversations like these will remain vital in building a more inclusive, connected, and forward-looking European higher education community.
Social media (Facebook):
🌍 How do we turn European values into action?
This was the key question explored during the latest ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall: “Our Values in Action”.
Participants from across the Alliance came together to discuss how values such as democracy, dignity, equality, freedom, human rights, solidarity, and the rule of law can be embedded into everyday university life.
The event featured inspiring contributions from:
🎤 Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinovska Krstevska (UGD)
🎤 Mateusz Kirjak (MUG)
🎤 Alexandru Popescu (UCB)
Through expert insights, practical examples, interactive tools, and a student perspective, the session sparked meaningful discussions on inclusion, mobility, active citizenship, and the future of European higher education.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this inspiring conversation. Events like these remind us that our shared values become meaningful when we put them into practice together. 💙
#ACE2EU #EuropeanUniversities #EuropeanValues #HigherEducation #StudentMobility #ErasmusPlus #UniversityAlliance
Social media (Instagram):
✨ European values are more than words. They’re actions.
During the latest ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall, students and staff from across the Alliance explored how values such as freedom, democracy, equality, dignity, solidarity, and human rights can become part of everyday university life.
💬 Inspiring speakers
🤝 Meaningful discussions
🌍 International perspectives
💡 Practical ideas for the future
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped create an engaging and thought-provoking exchange.
Let’s continue building a university community where our values are lived, shared, and experienced every day.
#ACE2EU #EuropeanValues #EuropeanUniversities #StudentVoice #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #Internationalisation #UniversityLife #Mobility #FutureOfEducation
Social media (LinkedIn):
How can European values move beyond declarations and become part of everyday university practice?
This question was at the heart of the latest ACE²-EU Virtual Town Hall: Our Values in Action, held on 29 September 2026.
The session brought together staff and students from across the Alliance to explore how values such as democracy, dignity, equality, freedom, solidarity, human rights, and the rule of law can shape teaching, mobility, governance, research, and community engagement.
Participants had the opportunity to hear from:
- Prof. Dr. Ana Nikodinovska Krstevska (Goce Delcev University, Stip)
- Mateusz Kirjak (Medical University of Gdańsk)
- Alexandru Popescu (Constantin Brâncuși University of Târgu-Jiu)
The combination of strategic perspectives, innovative engagement tools, and authentic student experiences created a highly valuable discussion on the future of values-based cooperation within European higher education.
The event demonstrated the importance of creating regular opportunities for dialogue across institutions and countries. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, the ACE²-EU community continues to strengthen the foundations of a more inclusive, collaborative, and connected European University Alliance.
Thank you to all participants for their engagement and contributions.
#ACE2EU #EuropeanUniversities #EuropeanValues #ErasmusPlus #HigherEducation #InternationalCooperation #StudentMobility #UniversityAlliance #InnovationInEducation #EuropeanEducationArea