Together for the European Cross-Border Region on the Upper Rhine
Thanks to the ChallengeEU project, Hochschule Offenburg (Offenburg University of Applied Sciences) played a leading role in bringing together representatives from business, academia, civil society, and different generations from across the Upper Rhine region. In an open and appreciative atmosphere, participants took the time to jointly identify key issues – particularly in the context of reimagining tourism. The aim of the activities undertaken by the members of the ChallengeEU alliance is to closely link research and innovation with regional stakeholders and, as a first step in a creative process, to collaboratively identify regional challenges. These identified challenges are then categorized into key thematic areas: Health & Wellbeing, Smart Digitalisation, and Sustainable Development. The ideas and solutions developed are subsequently integrated into further research and innovation activities to create sustainable and practical outcomes for the region. Students benefit especially from this European network: they have the opportunity to connect internationally and collaborate on innovative solutions. In addition to exciting projects and win-win situations for both regional businesses and students, valuable partnerships and friendships are also formed across national borders. Together, we are committed to a strong, innovative Europe and a sustainable future for the Upper Rhine region. The first workshop in the ChallengeEU Meetup Mission series was made possible thanks to the collaboration with Black Forest Innovation, an associate partner of the alliance, who hosted the participants at their premises.
Choose Europe for Science!
Representatives of the ChallengeEU Alliance, led by Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, and Prof. Irina Arhipova, Rector of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, took part in the “Choose Europe for Science” forum held in Paris. At the historic Sorbonne University, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union will launch a €500 million package for the years 2025–2027 aimed at “making Europe a magnet for researchers“. The funding will be directed to the European Research Council (ERC). European Commission plans to introduce legislation that will guarantee academic freedom as a fundamental right and simplify visa and residence procedures for science professionals. President von der Leyen further pledged increased support for early-career researchers, who will be able to benefit from additional funding through the pilot phase of the Choose Europe initiative under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. “We want Europe to continue to be at the forefront of fundamental research. We want Europe to be a leader in priority technologies from AI to quantum, from space, semiconductors and microelectronics to digital health, genomics and biotechnology. We want scientists, researchers, academics and highly skilled workers to choose Europe. And this is why today I am presenting the first elements of our Choose Europe Initiative” – said Ursula von der Leyen and she emphasized that “science has no passport, no gender, no ethnic origin, and no political affiliation“. French President Emmanuel Macron also announced that France will provide an additional €100 million from the France 2030 programme to attract researchers and make Europe a “safe haven” for science. “The message is simple. If you like freedom, come and help us to remain free, to do research here, to help us become better, to invest in our future” – said president Macron and added: “There can be no lasting democracy without free and open science“. Let us recall that a month ago, Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation spoke on a similar topic. She said then: “I believe that Europe can and should be the best place to do science and research in the world. A place that attracts and retains researchers, both international and European. In particular, those who are in search of a safe and supportive research environment. To ensure that Europe can be that place, we must enhance our pull factor. We must offer the best opportunities for scientists and researchers“. The Paris conference brought together European Commissioners, scientists, researchers, and ministers responsible for research from EU member states, as well as representatives from non-EU countries (Norway, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland).
LBTU hosts programme “Media Literacy for Future Leaders”
The Institute of Social and Humanitarian Sciences of the Faculty of Economics and Social Development (ESAF) at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) has successfully completed the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) project “Media Literacy for Future Leaders”. Among the participants were students and lecturers from ChallengeEU partner universities — Hochschule Offenburg, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, and South East European University (SEEU) — joined by representatives of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The program was led by an international team of lecturers, including five LBTU faculty members from ESAF and guest lecturers – professor Edlira Palloshi Disha from North Macedonia, media science professor Urszula Doliwa, and associate professor Magdalena Szydłowska from Poland. The programme focused on media literacy, critical thinking, and intercultural communication — equipping students with tools to analyze digital content, detect disinformation, and craft meaningful messages. Following an initial online seminar, participants gathered for a vibrant study week in Jelgava, featuring hands-on workshops, cultural visits to Riga and Rundāle Palace, and student presentations during the international conference “Students on Their Way to Science”. It was a great experience, as reflected in the words of one of the participants: “I would like to sincerely thank you for the wonderful experience during the Blended Intensive Programme in Latvia. It was an incredibly enriching opportunity, both academically and personally. I am truly grateful for the chance to participate, to meet inspiring peers, and to learn from outstanding professors. The organization and hospitality throughout the programme were exceptional. I truly appreciate all the efforts that made this an unforgettable experience”. >>> More information
ChallengeEU: The Beginning of a New Chapter!
Nine European universities united in Offenburg on 12 March to sign the Consortium Agreement, officially launching the ChallengeEU Alliance. The alliance’s goals include increasing mobility for students, academic staff, and the scientific community, as well as enhancing the quality, integration, and competitiveness of European higher education The joint journey of nine European universities has been ongoing, but the meeting at Hochschule Offenburg (12-13 March) marks the official start of ChallengeEU. The alliance is part of the prestigious European Universities initiative, a European Commission programme aimed at supporting innovative cooperation between universities in the European Higher Education Area. ChallengeEU: A Partnership for Change The ChallengeEU alliance is formed by: Hochschule Offenburg (Germany, project coordinator), South East European University (North Macedonia), ECAM LaSalle (France), Mid Sweden University (Sweden), Universidade Europeia (Portugal), University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Latvia), Universidad Europea de Valencia (Spain), Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW (Switzerland, associated partner). The official representatives of universities signed the agreement launching the alliance. Rector Rosa María Sanchidrián Pardo from Valencia was unable to attend the meeting in Offenburg, but the document bearing her signature was sent by post. University authorities, researchers, administrative staff, and students will actively contribute to the alliance’s work. Together, they will establish a common European campus – an international hub for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and personal development. The alliance is creating solutions to allow academic community members to study and gain skills across multiple universities. Participants will also earn cultural and linguistic competencies, certified by credentials like micro-credential. Mission: Future-Ready Higher Education The launch of cooperation between universities from nine countries is a big step for the 83,000 students and 9,000 staff members of the academic community, as well as for the 25 million citizens living in the ChallengeEU region. The overarching aim of the project is hidden in its name: “Cultivating Holistic SustAinable CoLLaborations: ENGaging Excellence in European Universities”. The most important goals of the alliance are: By connecting universities, students and local stakeholders, the alliance members want to ensure that education responds to the challenges of today and the future and serves changes for the better. This is to be supported by cooperation, research and innovation. It is also worth noting that 80 associated partners are involved in the ChallengeEU project. They represent sectors such as science, business, public administration and civil society. This demonstrates that the alliance’s influence will extend far beyond university campuses. Kick-off Meeting in Offenburg The signing of the Consortium Agreement in Offenburg is accompanied by many meetings of the working and management teams. Representatives from all partner universities have gathered at Hochschule Offenburg, with many additional participants joining online. This event provides an opportunity to discuss the project’s vision and objectives while developing an action plan for the near future. Moreover, it serves as a key moment for integrating the people who will shape ChallengeEU’s success. ChallengeEU is not just an alliance of universities – it is a dynamic space for sharing experiences, fostering international competencies, and building a better future for students and society.
UWM Celebrated Joining the ChallengeEU Alliance
The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (UWM) has officially joined the ChallengeEU alliance, marking a significant step in its international development. The official celebration took place on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, at the university’s main campus in Olsztyn. During the event, Prof. Jerzy Przyborowski, Rector of UWM, formally presented appointment certificates to the university team members engaged in the project. As he emphasized, participation in the ChallengeEU alliance represents a strategic opportunity not only for the university itself but also for the broader development of the region. The meeting served as an occasion to introduce the vision and objectives of ChallengeEU to the university community and regional stakeholders. Prof. Paweł Wielgosz, UWM’s Coordinator for European Universities, highlighted the several years of intensive preparations that led to the university’s inclusion in the alliance. He also underlined the significance of this achievement, noting that currently, fewer than 10 percent of higher education institutions in Europe are members of university alliances under the European Universities initiative. The event brought together representatives from local government, business sectors, and non-governmental organisations, who expressed their enthusiasm and support for this international academic collaboration. Joining ChallengeEU opens new paths for innovation, mobility, and excellence in education — and UWM is proud to be part of this shared European vision.
ChallengeEU Alliance Participates in High-Level Brussels Meeting on the Future of European Universities
The ChallengeEU Alliance proudly took part in the high-level event “Shaping the Future: European Universities Alliances for a Competitive Europe”, held this week in Brussels. The event brought together representatives from all 65 European University Alliances, along with Seal of Excellence holders, Members of the European Parliament, national and regional EU authorities, leading higher education stakeholders, student associations, and private-sector innovators. In a closed session dedicated to university leadership, the ChallengeEU Alliance was represented by Prof. Anne Najderek, Managing Director of ChallengeEU, and Prof. Stephan Trahasch, Rector of Hochschule Offenburg. The meeting serves as a platform to reflect on the progress of the European Universities Initiative, identify ongoing challenges, and explore strategies for its long-term success. Discussions also focus on the role of university alliances in strengthening Europe’s sustainable growth, global competitiveness, democratic resilience, and social justice. Participation in this forum is a valuable opportunity for ChallengeEU to exchange experiences, gain insights, and build lasting partnerships with other European alliances.
