Towards a Broader Alliance: New Memorandum of Understanding Signed
ChallengeEU is taking another step towards broader international cooperation. The Alliance universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, that is expected to join ChallengeEU in the future as an associated partner, opening up new opportunities for collaboration in education, research, innovation and academic exchange. Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies hosted meetings of the ChallengeEU Strategy Board and Academic Board. Regular dialogue between the Alliance’s governing bodies was essential for turning shared ambitions into coordinated actions and strengthening cooperation across institutions. During the meetings, ChallengeEU representatives are discussing the Alliance’s achievements to date, as well as current risks and challenges, and future priorities for cooperation and development. Board members are being informed about the progress of the Alliance’s implementation, its key results, and issues requiring joint attention and solutions. A key moment of the day is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the ChallengeEU and Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, a modern, multidisciplinary, innovation-oriented scientific and educational complex in the southeastern region of Ukraine. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration and creating new opportunities for joint initiatives in education, research and innovation. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding adds an important international dimension to these discussions and opens the way for exploring new forms of academic cooperation beyond the current Alliance structure. The universities intend to develop cooperation in areas aligned with their respective priorities, capacities and applicable rules, including in particular: The decision to cooperate with Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University reflects the shared belief that stronger links between universities create real added value. It also builds on the close working relationships that several alliance members already have with Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, whose academic profile and institutional priorities are well aligned with the mission, goals and activities of the Alliance. Closer cooperation will open up further opportunities in education, research, innovation and academic exchange. The Memorandum also provides for the possibility of Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic NationalUniversity joining the ChallengeEU at a later stage as an associated partner, in line with the applicable rules and procedures of the Erasmus+ Programme and the European Universities initiative. Let’s get to know each other better! Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University is a university with more than 13,000 students, including international students from around the world. Prospective students can choose from 12 faculties, 47 departments and 161 study programmes at Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD level. The university sees its mission as contributing to the development of the Ukrainian state and society, as well as the south-eastern region of Ukraine, by educating highly qualified and nationally conscious professionals, creating new knowledge and technologies, providing opportunities and conditions for personal development, and conducting applied research, expert analysis and consultations to support public authorities, local governments, enterprises, institutions and organisations.
The Max van der Stoel Institute at SEEU Co-Organizes International Conference “OFA 25+: Lessons, Legacies, Horizons”
On 24 and 25 September 2026, the international conference “OFA 25+: Lessons, Legacies, Horizons” was held in Skopje. The event was organized by Pro Peace and the Max van der Stoel Institute of the South East European University (SEEU), with the support of the Government of North Rhine-Westphalia. The conference provided an important space for dialogue and reflection on developments over the past 25 years. It addressed critical topics related to dealing with the past, governance, political representation, social cohesion, and the role of art and culture in post-conflict transformation processes. On behalf of the South East European University, a welcoming address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Besa Arifi, Advisor for Community and International Relations. In her speech, she highlighted the unique symbolism of 2026, noting that SEEU marks the 25th anniversary of its establishment in the exact same year as the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Prof. Dr. Arifi emphasized that SEEU represents an institutional model built on respect for diversity and coexistence among communities, describing diversity as one of the key strengths and defining characteristics of the University’s culture. SEEU representatives also made significant contributions to the panel titled “Governance, Representation, and the Political Context.” Participating as experts were Acad. Prof. Dr. Abdylmenaf Bexheti and Prof. Dr. Veli Kreci, Director of the Max van der Stoel Institute, while Dr. Albulena Halili, a Research Associate at the Max van der Stoel Institute, served as a keynote speaker. Furthermore, SEEU students from the Skopje Campus contributed to the smooth running of the conference. Their engagement in the technical organization of this international event once again demonstrated the active involvement of students in the University’s academic and institutional activities. Over the two-day event, participants from academia, public institutions, and civil society discussed the achievements, shortcomings, and challenges in implementing the Ohrid Framework Agreement, as well as future steps toward European integration and the development of a more cohesive, inclusive, and equitable society.
