Dynamic Presence of the Agricultural University of Athens at the Event “Greek Universities in European Alliances: Challenges and Next Steps”

The Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) actively participated in the 2nd edition of the event titled “Greek Universities in European Alliances: Challenges and Next Steps,” held on 28 November 2025 in the Senate Hall at the historic Propylaea of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The event focused on the role and contribution of Greek universities within European University Alliances, highlighting the importance of internationalisation, academic innovation and the development of joint educational initiatives.

AUA was represented by the Vice-Rector for European University Affairs, Internationalisation and Student Welfare, Professor Eleni Miliou, along with Ms. Vera Charitou, EU-CONEXUS Institutional Coordinator. As a founding member of the European University Alliance for Smart and Sustainable Management of Urban Coastal Areas (EU-CONEXUS), AUA contributes actively to the advancement of interdisciplinary education and research aimed at the sustainable development of coastal regions.

In the context of the event, Professor Eleni Miliou presented the multifaceted educational work of EU-CONEXUS, outlining the short-term study programmes (Minor Programmes), the micro-credential programmes (Microcredentials), and the Joint Erasmus Mundus Master’s Programmes offered by the Alliance, in which AUA actively participates.

The event served as a meeting point for representatives of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE), the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), as well as Vice Rectors and coordinators from Greek universities participating in European University Alliances, within the framework of a broader dialogue on the role of Greek Higher Education Institutions in the European Higher Education Area.

The thematic discussions covered a wide range of issues, from the development of joint academic programmes and innovative teaching approaches to the certification and quality assurance processes that accompany them. At the same time, participants examined ways to improve the organisation and support of the European Alliances within Greek universities, including cooperation with administrative services and the utilisation of digital infrastructures. Particular emphasis was placed on the joint development of research structures, centres of excellence and skills/micro-programmes, as well as on the importance of systematic monitoring, reporting, and networking among institutions. Finally, the need to integrate the activities of the European University Alliances into the strategic planning of Greek Universities was highlighted, with the aim of ensuring the long-term viability of the initiative and maximising the effective use of national and European resources.

A key conclusion of the event was the widely expressed intention to institutionalise regular meetings among representatives of European Universities, potentially within the framework of the Rectors’ Council. Such a provision would create a structured space for the exchange of experiences, challenges and good practices, the identification of common needs, and the cultivation of synergies among institutions, while simultaneously strengthening the institutional recognition and long-term sustainability of the European University Alliances within the Greek higher education system.

The participation of the Agricultural University of Athens in the conference underscored its active role in shaping the future of European University Alliances and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing meaningfully to policy development and initiatives that strengthen the position of Greek higher education on the international academic landscape.