Chemnitz launches European University Alliance for Peace and Diversity!

Chemnitz launches European University Alliance for Peace and Diversity!

The kick-off meeting of the European Cross-Border University Across took place today at the Chemnitz University of Technology, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, the rector of Chemnitz University of Technology, welcomed the guests and emphasized the responsible role of universities in the European unification process. He recalled that as early as 1946, Winston Churchill spoke about the need for a united Europe to ensure peace and security. Despite the setbacks that the European Union has experienced, it is considered a success story. Current challenges such as Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, which violates international law, ongoing violence in the Middle East, right-wing populism and eroding democracies make cooperation between European institutions all the more important. Chemnitz University of Technology reports that...

The European Cross-Border University Across aims to promote cross-border collaboration by operating across national, cultural and disciplinary boundaries. As part of this initiative, Chemnitz University of Technology has launched an alliance together with nine partner universities in European border regions. This includes around 200 million citizens, ten universities, including one in Ukraine, as well as around 100,000 students and 10,000 employees. Chemnitz University of Technology received funding of 14.4 million euros from the EU for the project, which underlines how important the alliance is for peace, security and freedom in Europe. MDR informs that...

Goals of the Alliance Across

The alliance called “Across – The European University for Cross-Border Knowledge Sharing” aims to create a unique higher education space that supports the development and achievement of common goals in these regions. Planned measures include deepening university relationships, internationalization and digitalization in the areas of teaching and research. Particular attention will be paid to principles of sustainability and inclusion, while joint study programs will also be developed.

Another component of the initiative are the cross-border engagement centers. These centers are intended to facilitate collaboration between science, business and civil society. With partner universities such as Udine in Italy, Girona in Spain and Białystok in Poland, the alliance is seen as an important instrument for promoting democratic values, tolerance and diversity.

The European dimension in higher education

With its strategy, the European Union is pursuing a clear vision for the higher education sector. The goal is to provide at least 45% of 25 to 34 year olds with a university degree by 2030. There are currently almost 5,000 higher education institutions in Europe, providing space for around 17.5 million students, 1.35 million teachers and 1.17 million researchers. Universities play a central role in education, research and innovation.

The EU has set itself the goal of strengthening the European dimension in higher education and research and thus positioning universities as beacons of the European way of life. In order to achieve this, the “European Universities” initiative is to be expanded and a legal status for university alliances is to be created. These measures are part of a structured approach to overcome current challenges and ensure that university graduates receive the best possible prospects for their professional future. EU Education describes that…