The 4th Forum of European University Alliances is a high-level European higher education conference taking place on 10 July 2026 in County Kildare, under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
This forum will bring together European and domestic representatives and stakeholders to take stock of progress on the European Universities Initiative (EUI) and to shape its future direction.
Presentations and discussions will focus on the future of the European University Alliances, with particular emphasis on sustainable investment, governance and policy frameworks to support deep and enduring collaboration in education, research and innovation.
The Forum will host 250-300 participants from across Europe, representing the full ecosystem of tertiary education, research, and policymaking. Attendees will include:
Senior EU leadership responsible for education, research, innovation, and skills.
National policymakers from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
University leadership, including presidents, rectors, and vice-rectors from leading Irish and European universities.
European stakeholder organisations, such as the European University Association (EUA), the League of European Research Universities (LERU), The Guild, FOREU4ALL, and the European Students’ Union.
Students and alliance practitioners, ensuring that governance, implementation, and lived experience perspectives are fully represented.
The Forum will comprise a welcome reception, an official opening by the Irish Government, keynote addresses by distinguished speakers, plenary discussions, panels, thematic breakout sessions alongside cultural and networking events, including a gala dinner.
Key issues to be addressed include:
The future funding architecture and investment pathways beyond 2027.
The development of the European Degree and deeper academic integration.
The role of alliances in strengthening European competitiveness, innovation, inclusion and democratic values.
Meaningful student participation in governance and co-creation.
Alignment between EU, national and institutional strategies.
The Forum provides a unique platform for discussions of European and domestic priorities while strengthening Ireland’s leadership role in European higher education innovation.