14.04.2025 Taking Stock and Looking Ahead – Successful EUPeace Spring Meetings & 1st Strategy Forum

Representatives of all EUPeace universities, all its governing bodies, and all its teams involved in its EU-funded project gathered at Çukurova University, in Adana, Türkiye, on 7-8 April 2025. The EUPeace Spring Meetings and 1st Strategy Forum allowed the entire EUPeace Community to take stock and look ahead after the first 18 months of project work. Adana was the perfect place to showcase the values of the Alliance and the goals we all espouse in further developing our different initiatives for our students.

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The soon to be launched European Track and the upcoming EUPeace Joint Programmes took centre stage. They will be key elements to train the next generation of change leaders, around peace, justice, and inclusive societies. The European Track, which will open in its pilot version in the 2025/2026 academic year, was identified as the key instrument to impact the future of our students, to extend their horizon and to support their employability. The European Track will indeed allow students to choose from a diverse and interdisciplinary range of courses offered across our Alliance of nine universities – whether in person or in virtual or hybrid format; study abroad at one of our partner universities — whether for a semester or a year abroad, or for a short-term “Blended Intensive Programme” (BIP); and earn up to three certificates recognising the knowledge and skills they acquire! The vast majority of participants of the Strategy Forum identified the European Track as one of the key elements that will structure the entire Alliance in the coming months and year, a standout feature of our Alliance. 

Similarly, our Joint Programmes will, with strongly integrated curricula across institutions, aim to foster a specific profile of EUPeace students, graduates and alumni, who will go on to become change agents for Europe. The latest planning and configuration details were discussed, especially by the Education Board and in a joint session of Education Board, Governing Board and Quality Assurance Board, during our Spring Meetings. The first two pilot projects for Joint Programmes will, in the coming weeks, organise information sessions open to all interested lecturers and researchers of the Alliance to develop the curricula and structures of the first EUPeace Joint Programmes. 

Beyond all these dimensions, one message rang loud and clear: students are the driving force behind the Alliance. Their involvement is not only formative—it’s transformative. The recent gathering of the Student Council in Adana, alongside student representatives in key bodies such as the EUPeace Senate and the Quality Assurance Board, sparked vibrant, in-depth exchanges between students, academics, and Alliance leadership. These conversations are already shaping our strategic direction. Looking ahead, the role of students within the Alliance will only grow stronger. Their passion, creativity, and momentum are energizing our structures from within—and making waves beyond, in broader external forums. And there’s more to come: several student-led initiatives are set to launch in the coming months!

In addition, the participants dove into discussions on inclusive and safe/r mobility, with schemes being drafted by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board (EDIB). The Alliance meeting also provided a unique opportunity to take a step back and look inward: with all key bodies present, the Alliance used the momentum to review and fine-tune its internal structures—strengthening collaboration across teams, work packages, and governance bodies to ensure smoother, more impactful cooperation going forward. 

During the Strategy Forum, the EUPeace Community considered the meta-challenges facing Europe at the moment, and the possible contribution of the Alliance to them: democratic resilience and civic engagement, peacebuilding and security, climate action and sustainability, migration and social inclusion, digitalisation and ethical AI, economic inequality and the future of work, higher education and knowledge diplomacy, public health and well-being, European identity and cultural heritage, and Europe’s role as a global model for justice and evidence-based decision-making. The participants also identified and confronted their views on the core strategic priorities and messages of EUPeace before assigning and determining the key actions to be taken by specific bodies and groups with the Alliance to make them a reality. The conclusions of the Strategy Forum will guide the work of the Alliance in the coming years and help to put into perspective the intricate and comprehensive project plan we follow. 

The entire EUPeace Community looks ahead to the coming years with energy and optimism, eager to see this shared vision continue to unfold and take shape. With deep gratitude, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire university community of Çukurova University for their exceptional hospitality and for creating an environment that fostered trust, collaboration, and true connection. This spirit of unity is what will carry EUPeace forward.