The day-long event, organised under the EUI Widening Europe Programme, aimed to enhance connections with universities in less-integrated European regions through workshops that provided a vibrant platform for sharing expertise, fostering networks, and advancing academic excellence by improving administrative capacities. Participants explored strategies to improve institutional governance, enhance communication, and design impactful research projects, areas critical to the long-term success and relevance of higher education institutions.
This workshop blended targeted training with collaborative problem-solving, offering a hands-on opportunity for EUI staff to engage directly with their counterparts from partner institutions. Representatives left with actionable insights, new networks, and ideas for future joint initiatives. For many, this event represented a tangible outcome of the evolving Widening Europe Programme, which continues to break down barriers and foster inclusion across the academic landscape.
As a European university, the EUI is part of the effort in closing the knowledge gap across Europe and is determined to play a leading role in strengthening internationalisation, competitiveness, and quality in research in targeted Widening countries.
"Contributing to levelling the playing field of research activities in Europe was the aim of the event, and the EUI, as a public international body founded to enhance the European common cultural heritage, is best placed to carry out these activities," noted the EUI Secretary General, Marco del Panta.
Evangelia Koundouraki, Interim Human Resources Director at the EUI, highlighted that the event marked a significant step in enhancing collaboration and addressing shared challenges: "This workshop offered an excellent opportunity for the EUI HR Service to foster learning and training initiatives, including international mobility for our professional staff. It’s a testament to the impact of internal collaboration across our services."
According to Michal Matlak from the University of Łódź in Poland, the workshop demonstrated the programme’s transformative potential: "This event shows the importance of collaboration between academics and administrators. I can observe significant synergies developing among institutions from targeted Widening countries and beyond."
Carla Maria Canotilho Alberto dos Santos from the University of Minho in Portugal echoed the sentiment: "This workshop has been incredibly insightful. I’m already brainstorming potential projects to initiate with the EUI. The opportunity to collaborate and explore new partnerships is truly exciting."
As the Widening Europe Programme’s continues to grow, collaboration takes centre stage in advancing cohesion, innovation, and excellence within Europe's academic ecosystem. The EUI is dedicated to maintaining this momentum through future initiatives that foster partnerships and innovation.