Ulysseus and European Policy Leaders Reflect on the Strategic Role of European Universities in Brussels High-Level Encounter

On November 12, Brussels played host to a high-level event gathering top decision-makers from Ulysseus European University, national institutions, and the European Parliament. The meeting—involving leadership, policy experts, and members of the Ulysseus International Advisory Board—was designed to reflect collectively on the strategic role of European Universities as transformative actors in Europe’s geopolitical, societal, and innovation landscape.

Structured in two key sessions, the morning convened the Ulysseus International Advisory Board (IAB), comprised of rectors, former ministers, senior academic leaders, and policy advisers. The focus was on co-developing the narrative that positions European Universities as drivers of knowledge, innovation, and cultural exchange beyond the traditional academic domain. Participants reflected on concrete challenges including governance, sustainability, talent development, regional engagement, research innovation, and internationalisation, with the aim of shaping actionable recommendations for advancing the mission of Ulysseus and its partner institutions.

The afternoon session advanced with the participation of select regional representatives, Members of the European Parliament, and policy figures such as Frédérique Vidal (former French Minister of Higher Education), Christelle Roy (Director at CNRS), and senior advisors from the European Commission. Discussions centered on aligning strategy, messaging, and advocacy to make visible and actionable the contributions of European Universities in policy and diplomacy.

Attendees represented an eclectic mix of European leadership segments: Ulysseus directors and coordinators; rectors and delegates from universities in Slovakia, Finland, Austria, France, and beyond; and political actors committed to innovation and education agendas. Their collective expertise underscored the importance of forging sustainable governance models and effective engagement with policymakers at all territorial levels.

European universities as strategic actors

Four core themes framed the debate: how to ensure universities are recognised as strategic actors, which narratives best reflect their societal and cultural impact, what mechanisms can embed their contributions into political priorities, and how to build networks that support Europe’s competitiveness and shared values. The sessions highlighted the need for robust communication frameworks and advocacy to help European Universities go beyond their immediate circles and shape broader policy agendas.

At the event’s conclusion, participants outlined key recommendations to enhance policy engagement, strengthen networks, and communicate more effectively the pivotal role of university alliances such as Ulysseus. The gathering marked a milestone in consolidating partnerships between academia and policymaking, reaffirming the commitment of European academic and policy leaders to promote the European Way of Life and advance sustainable, inclusive growth.

By bringing together voices from diverse institutional segments, Ulysseus continues to champion a shared vision for European development—rooted in academic excellence, societal transformation, and strategic dialogue with Europe’s decision-makers.

About Ulysseus

Ulysseus is one of the 73 European Universities alliances selected by the European Commission under its flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. These alliances, co-funded by the European Commission, bring together almost 650 higher education institutions of all types from across Europe. Led by the University of Seville, the Ulysseus European University Alliance encompasses seven other partner universities: the Université Côte d’Azur (France), University of Genoa (Italy), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® (Austria), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the University of Münster (Germany), and the University of Montenegro (Montenegro).