European University Alliances have entered a decisive phase. After years of experimentation, rapid growth, and intensive project-based collaboration, alliances are now facing a critical question: how can they remain sustainable, mission-driven, and resilient in the long term?
This high-level roundtable brings together senior leaders and key architects of European University Alliances to share first-hand experience, strategic reflections, and forward-looking visions on alliance sustainability. The discussion will explore how alliances can move beyond short-term funding cycles, strengthen governance and organisational capacity, and continue to deliver transformative impact for European higher education and society.
The roundtable addresses systemic challenges and strategic choices shaping the future of alliances — including leadership models, coordination mechanisms, quality assurance, legal and financial instruments, institutional anchoring, and long-term value creation.
Roundtable Participants
- Dr. Nicole Birkle, General Secretary – FORTHEM
- Fernando Perez-Peña, General Director – SEA-EU
- Beatrix Busse, Chief Development Officer – EUniWell
- Meritxell Chaves, Secretary General – CHARM-EU
- Naveed Syed, Secretary General – ENHANCE
Moderation
The roundtable will be organised and moderated by Edita Lenkauskaitė, researcher and practitioner working at the intersection of European higher education governance, sustainability, and alliance-level transformation.
Why Attend?
Participants will gain:
- strategic insights from those shaping alliances from the inside,
- comparative perspectives across different alliance models,
- reflections relevant for alliance leaders, policymakers, researchers, and institutional decision-makers seeking to ensure that European University Alliances not only survive, but also mature and thrive.
Date: 7 May 2026
