Coimbra Group 40th Anniversary
27 November 2025
A Week of Celebration, Recognition and Forward Vision
Last week, the Coimbra Group community and its partners gathered in Brussels for a remarkable series of events marking 40 years of collaboration, innovation, academic excellence and shared European values. The anniversary programme honoured the individuals who created and shaped this network, celebrated meaningful partnerships, and sparked forward-looking conversations on the role of universities in strengthening democracy.
The celebrations unfolded across two major milestones hosted in Brussels: the 40th Anniversary Celebratory Reception on 20 November at BOZAR, Brussels Centre for Fine Arts and the High-Level Seminar “Reinventing Campus Democracy: Bridging Divides and Advancing Solutions” on 21 November, co-organised with Utrecht University and supported by the European Students’ Union (ESU). Together, these events reflected the Coimbra Group’s enduring mission since 1985: building bridges across Europe’s comprehensive universities and nurturing a vibrant academic community committed to innovation and cooperation.
A remarkable anniversary reception at BOZAR
The festivities began on 20 November in the stunning Suzanne Bertouille Rotunda of BOZAR, where colleagues, partners and friends gathered for a warm and joyful celebration. The evening opened with an address by Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, who reflected on “1985–2025: 40 Years of Innovation” and the network’s evolution over four decades.
Keynote contributions followed from distinguished guests, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing European higher education today.
Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, highlighted the vital role of curiosity-driven research. Veronika Hunt Šafránková, Head of the UNEP Brussels Office, underlined the universities’ central role in advancing sustainable development. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, reflected on the importance of skills, social rights and preparedness in shaping Europe’s future.
Honouring the people who built the Coimbra Group
A central and deeply emotional moment of the evening was the Awards Ceremony, created to recognise the individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership and dedication shaped the Coimbra Group across its 40-year history. The network paid tribute to every former Chair of the Executive Board – Peter Floor, Knud-Erik Sabroe, Antonio Savini, Guido Langouche and Dorothy Kelly – as well as former Vice-Chairs Frans Zwarts, Jürgen Barkhoff and Claudia Cavadas, acknowledging their commitment to building cooperation across member universities.
The reception also celebrated the former Directors of the Coimbra Group Office – Cecilia Costa, Cristina Ribeiro, Koen Delaere and Inge Knudsen – whose work supported the consolidation of the network and the establishment of its legal entity (asbl), together with Veronique Maes. A special tribute was dedicated to the “CG fathers”, Simon-Pierre Nothomb and Jorge Veiga, whose early vision was instrumental in shaping the group’s identity.
The evening also featured a Special Award presented to Henri Luchian for his longstanding dedication to the network, and a moment to honour former European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel for her continuous support to higher education, research and innovation. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the European Students’ Union (ESU), represented by respectively Céline Guérin and Arno Schrooyen), were also recognised for their contribution to strengthening student-university cooperation within the CG community. The Duke of Arenberg was likewise honoured for his continuous support to the Coimbra Group.
The ceremony concluded with an extended networking reception, where participants exchanged memories, ideas and hopes for the future of the network.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment for the Next Decades
This 40th anniversary was not only a celebration of the Coimbra Group’s rich history – it was also a moment to reaffirm its vision for the decades ahead. The events of last week showcased a vibrant, engaged and forward-looking community committed to democratic values, academic cooperation and the pursuit of excellence.
As the Coimbra Group enters its fifth decade, we extend our deepest appreciation to all who joined us, supported the programme and contributed to the network’s evolution since 1985.
We look forward to continuing this shared journey – honouring our past, embracing our present and shaping our future together.
Photo Gallery
Photos by Dáša Kneřová
