From May 19-21, ENHANCE Secretary General Naveed Syed participated in the Meeting of Directors General for Higher Education held under the Cyprus EU Council Presidency — representing the alliance's role as a key driver of the European Education Area. The high-level gathering brought together Directors General for Higher Education from across Europe, alongside representatives of the European Commission, quality assurance agencies, and other European stakeholder networks to discuss the future direction of higher education in Europe.
ENHANCE was represented through its active contribution to the FOREU4ALL delegation, which showcased the growing impact and strategic importance of the European Universities Initiative. Naveed Syed joined Michal Karpisek and Fernando Pérez Peña as part of a three-person delegation presenting how European University Alliances are already transforming European higher education through long-term cooperation, innovation, and institutional integration.
A central focus of discussions was the evolving role of the alliances as strategic European partnerships that extend beyond student mobility and joint education. Contributions highlighted how alliances are increasingly driving collaboration in education, innovation, digitalisation, societal engagement, and competitiveness — while strengthening European values such as trust, resilience, and cooperation.
A notable intervention was delivered by Tasos Christofides, Rector of University of Cyprus and representative of the YUFE Alliance, who reflected on the added value alliances bring to students, universities, and society through joint programmes, enhanced European experiences, and strengthened research capacity. The discussions underlined that European University Alliances have matured significantly since their launch and are now demonstrating tangible impact for students, regions, and wider society. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring long-term sustainability through coordinated policy support, stronger stakeholder engagement, and continued opportunities for collaboration.
ENHANCE remains committed to contributing to these discussions and to strengthening the role of European University Alliances as key drivers of the future European Education Area.
