Mallorca university backs 271-university EU alliance call

The Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) in Palma has joined a call signed by 271 universities in 30 European countries for the European Union to give university alliances a clear place in its future plans. The UIB signed the declaration on 22 September. It asks the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to recognise the alliances in the EU’s 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework and a future European competitiveness fund.

The universities say these alliances are cross-border partnerships that can help Europe compete, build skills and strengthen its independence. Their declaration also points to the role universities have played through recent crises, from the pandemic to the war in Ukraine.

The signatories say they want to reinforce Europe’s education and research area while helping people gain the skills needed for industrial, technological, social and environmental challenges through scientific advances.

The manifesto argues that university alliances can link regional innovation networks, reduce fragmentation and allow knowledge and innovation to move freely across Europe. It says universities are also needed to support local and regional economic development, uphold European values and identity, and narrow disparities between regions.

The declaration urges EU institutions to clearly recognise and defend the role of the alliances in legislative texts now under discussion.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com