The 1st ACE²-EU Annual Congress, hosted by Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI), on 24 October 2025, brought together representative from the European Commission, member universities, policymakers, and academic leaders to discuss the future of higher education cooperation in Europe, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and long-term impact.
A special moment of the congress was the online address delivered by Ms. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Member of Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu @ European Commission, who congratulated the ACE²-EU Alliance and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a strong and connected European Education Area.
In her speech, Ms. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton highlighted the key strategic priorities of the European Commission for the future of the alliances:
- ensuring the sustainabilityof the European Universities model;
- exploring long-term funding mechanismsthat go beyond short-term project cycles;
- promoting integrated academic mobilityand the recognition of degrees and competences across Europe;
- and strengthening the dialogue between universities and EU policymakers.
She congratulated the ACE²-EU Alliance for taking forward this shared vision and for its dedication to advancing collaborative, innovative, and inclusive education at the European level.
The congress provided a platform for constructive dialogue among academic, institutional, and political stakeholders, addressing the challenges and opportunities of creating a truly European higher education space, one that connects learning, research, and societal impact.
Through its activities, ACE²-EU contributes to the European Commission’s broader ambition of building a sustainable and future-oriented European Higher Education Area, rooted in excellence, cooperation, and shared values.
