From 28 to 30 October, Paris-Panthéon-Assas University welcomed the 4EU+ community to Paris for its 2026 Annual Meeting.
For the first time since joining the European University Alliance in July 2023, Paris-Panthéon-Assas University hosted this major gathering, which brought together approximately 250 participants from the eight member universities under the theme “4EU+: Europe as a driving force for a brighter future”. Over three days, academics, administrative staff and students reviewed the Alliance’s achievements and considered its future priorities against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving European higher education landscape.
The meeting opened with a workshop dedicated to the outcomes of the 1CORE project, which was drawing to a close. Participants explored the project’s contribution to the development of joint educational activities, stronger links between universities and society, and the creation of a more closely connected 4EU+ community. In the afternoon, the Alliance’s four thematic Flagships, working groups and governance bodies came together to take stock of progress and discuss future initiatives.
The day concluded with Paris-Panthéon-Assas University’s Master’s Graduation Ceremony, featuring artistic performances, followed by a welcome reception hosted by its President, Stéphane Braconnier.
The second day focused on the transformations shaping universities and their communities. Sessions explored the future of education and research, student engagement, the next generation of researchers, and the role of microcredentials in a changing educational landscape.
Digital technologies also featured prominently, notably during a roundtable on artificial intelligence (AI) and the opportunities and challenges it presents for students and academics. The discussions highlighted the importance of European cooperation in addressing common challenges and responding to changes in higher education.
The roundtable was chaired by Pierre-Emmanuel Audit, Deputy Vice-President for Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, and brought together:
Paola Cinnella, Sorbonne Cluster for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), Sorbonne University;
Yackolley Amoussou-Guenou, Paris-Panthéon-Assas University;
Michael Winckler, Heidelberg University;
Najmeh Soltanzadeh, University of Geneva;
Pavel Linzer, Charles University.
The final day began with the 4EU+ General Assembly, which brought together representatives of the eight member universities to review the Alliance’s achievements and discuss its strategic priorities. In their opening remarks, Yvonne-Marie Rogez, Deputy Vice-President for 4EU+, Professor Stéphane Braconnier, President of Paris-Panthéon-Assas University, and Emmanuelle Chevreau, Vice-President for International Affairs, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the Alliance since joining in 2023.
Outgoing 4EU+ President and Rector Audrey Leuba then reflected on the progress made during her presidency, including the securing of Erasmus+ funding for the 2026–2028 period, as well as the challenges facing European universities. She emphasised that “cooperation across borders is more important than ever”.
Secretary General Elena Del Giorgio went on to outline the Alliance’s institutional progress and priorities for the coming years, including the transition from the 1CORE project to 4EU+ FUTURE. As the Alliance enters a new phase in its development, she reflected on how its ambition is evolving:
“Our motto for years has been growing together, and as we enter a new phase of the alliance, it might well be ‘transforming together’ and really upscaling our activities now, with the view of working together towards the next funding phase.”
The meeting also marked the official handover of the 4EU+ Presidency from the University of Geneva to Paris-Panthéon-Assas University for the 2026–2027 term. In his first address as President of the Alliance, Professor Stéphane Braconnier reaffirmed the importance of collective commitment:
“We shall approach this responsibility with ambition, but also with a lot of humility, because the presidency of an alliance is not about leading others; it is about serving a common project. And we know that we can only succeed together.”
He also set out his intention to strengthen cooperation in education, research and student engagement, reaffirming the Alliance’s shared purpose: bringing Europeans together through knowledge, science and education.
The General Assembly also featured a video address by François Hollande, former President of the French Republic, who highlighted the role of universities in bringing Europeans closer together: “European universities forge links between students, connect territories and bring people together.”
A roundtable then explored the opportunities and challenges surrounding the European Degree and the proposed Joint European Degree Label.
Chaired by Emmanuelle Chevreau, Vice-President for International Affairs, the roundtable brought together:
Yann-Maël Bideau, European Commission;
Karine Daniel, French Senate (Loire-Atlantique Department);
Josef Matoušek, Charles University;
Nathalie Roques, Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space.
The Annual Meeting marked an important milestone for the 4EU+ Alliance, providing a platform to evaluate achievements and shape the next chapter of academic integration. As Paris-Panthéon-Assas University assumes the presidency for 2026–2027, the Alliance looks forward to deepening our close cooperation across member universities to advance our shared commitment to a unified European Higher Education Area, collaborative research excellence, and innovative cross-border learning.