LBTU Strengthens Collaboration at ChallengeEU Alliance Meeting in Brussels

The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between work packages, refine the implementation timeline of Alliance activities, and coordinate upcoming tasks.

Work progressed through plenary sessions and thematic groups, enabling coordinated strategic planning and practical task execution across mobility, digitalisation, the ChallengeEU Academy, ODEI initiatives, and communication. Partners reviewed 2025 activities, set priorities, and discussed aligning quality-assurance processes. WP6 training addressed branding, communication standards, and EU funding requirements, with further internal communication work planned for November. 

Additional focus was placed on mobility frameworks, course catalogue development, and inclusive ODEI solutions. An open discussion with The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) project manager Daniel Hubner clarified reporting expectations and mid-term review requirements, while insights from the YUFE Alliance highlighted best practices and the importance of documenting results and impact.

Balanced work in groups and plenaries helped teams convert strategic decisions into daily work plans. Agreements were reached on next steps, including:

• Improving shared infrastructure for events and collaboration tools with stakeholders;

• Optimising the approval and publication process for official Alliance channels;

• Preparing for the mid-term report and reviewing indicators.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about the Alliance’s future and initial plans for the ChallengeEU Conference, which will take place in May in Olsztyn. The conference will summarise achievements, strengthen partner cooperation, and demonstrate the Alliance’s impact on regions and academia.

A meaningful moment was a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the previous year’s floods in Valencia. Although not part of the official agenda, this gesture underscored the Alliance’s commitment to shared values and community beyond its academic and operational activities.

In the ChallengeEU Alliance, LBTU collaborates with Hochschule Offenburg (Germany, project coordinator), South East European University (North Macedonia), ECAM LaSalle (France), Mid Sweden University (Sweden), Universidade Europeia (Portugal), the University of Warmia and Mazury (Poland), Universidad Europea de Valencia (Spain), and the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW (Switzerland, associate partner).