ECIU University’s third phase gets off to a flying start

While some have been involved in the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) University for years, for others it is all new. This is why the University of Twente, coordinator of ECIU University, the European University Alliance, has organised a two-day kick-off meeting, giving everyone the opportunity to gain an understanding of the project, get to know one another and clarify expectations.

ECIU University has secured European funding for three consecutive project phases. The new, third phase, ECIUn-PLUS-2, will run for two years, until end October 2028, with a total EU budget of €7.2 million.

Description of activities

The main change compared with previous years concerns the term ‘description of activities.’ Whereas ECIU University previously focused on delivering results, it is now required to describe the integral and structural change the initiative makes within our universities, how it will be implemented, and how our universities transform with an alliance way of working. The kick-off meeting focuses on which partner will be responsible and what the expected outcomes are.

‘There is a new monitoring framework that we have been asked to develop and implement,’ explains Niall Power, ECIU University Director. ‘After we submitted our application, several changes to our funding proposal were put forward during the summer holiday. This is one of them. That is why it is important for us to spend the next two days together, ensuring that we are all aligned.’

The European Commission has been funding the European University Initiative since 2019. They are now interested in seeing the visible transformation this funding has had on universities across Europe. The new Monitoring Framework will take into account the transformative and international way of working universities have adopted over these past years of continuous funding.

European Universities was also mentioned in Ursula van der Leyen’s State of The Union Letter of Intent. It is one of the highest priorities of the European Union, and the shaping and forming of the next programme is actively being worked on in the commission. ECIU and ECIU University is working to ensure that activities and advocacy align and shape the future funding frameworks.

More structure and visibility

Following Power’s opening remarks, Andrea Brose, ECIU University Educational Lead,  took the floor. She looked back at the history of the European Universities Alliances, explaining how and why they came into being. She also asked those present what should be different two years from now. The answers varied between work packages. Some hoped to raise more visibility within the partner universities, while others focused on establishing greater structure or improving the monitoring of mobility.

In his closing remarks, the ECIU University Director made it clear that there is no time to lose. ‘We cannot afford any delays. The first milestones and results are expected after the Christmas break. This project has already started.’

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