The European University Alliance EUTOPIA has been present at this year's European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Rotterdam. This is the most significant higher education fair in Europe held annually in the Dutch city, and EUTOPIA has been represented with an informational booth, as well as participation in conferences on European university alliances.

One of these sessions was attended by Pompeu Fabra University. Helena Ramalhinho, Vice-Rector for Internationalization, moderated the panel "European University Alliance Initiative: Establishing Connections Beyond Europe." In addition to UPF's participation, the conference also featured Alexandra Teodósio from the University of Algarve in Portugal, a member of the SEA-EU Alliance, and Dorothy Kelly from the University of Granada, a member of the Arqus Alliance.

Another intense day at #EAIE2023, with EUTOPIA member universities, our global partners, and the FOREU Comms informal group to exchange our experiences. If you are in Rotterdam, visit us at stand A 35! We will welcome you with all the warmth of #Europeanuniversities. pic.twitter.com/qduueac5Xd

— EUTOPIA European University (@EutopiaUni) September 27, 2023

The main theme of the session has been the role that universities from outside of Europe - the global partners - play in European university alliances. In this regard, the speakers have explained the various projects that the alliances they represent undertake with their global partners.

The discussion also addressed the core values that should guide this collaboration with universities from the rest of the world, with a focus on the role of universities in the Global South. The outcome of the reflection was that alliances should be equitable and multidirectional, but European universities cannot relinquish their responsibility to promote democratic values and human rights globally.