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Feb2026Shared values, shared responsibility: Universities and equality in Europe
Professor Jiří Zima, Rector, Charles University At the beginning of my mandate as Rector of Charles University, we were deeply honoured to receive the EU Gender Equality 2025 Champions Award in the “Newcomer” category. This prestigious recognition from the European Commission is an important milestone for our institution. It acknowledges the long-term dedication of many colleagues […]
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Feb2026Designing the European Competitiveness Fund: Key elements and the FP10–ECF interface
The Coimbra Group, together with its partners from leading university and research umbrella organisations, speaks with one strong and united voice on the future of European research, innovation and competitiveness. In a joint sectoral statement, the signatories set out a shared vision for the new European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) and its connection with the next […]
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Feb2026Contribution to the forthcoming EU action plan on women in R&I and startups
This week, the Coimbra Group submitted its response to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the upcoming “Women in Research, Innovation and Startups – Action Plan” which adoption is planned for the second quarter of 2026. In its input paper, the Coimbra Group stresses that women continue to face structural, cultural and institutional barriers […]
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Feb2026Coimbra Group proposes joint amendments to the Erasmus+ proposal
On 18 February 2026, the Coimbra Group, together with a broad coalition of European higher education organisations, representing universities, students, national agencies and sector stakeholders, published a shared package of amendments to the European Commission’s proposal for the next Erasmus+ programme (2028–2034). The proposed amendments aim to reaffirm the core missions of Erasmus+: supporting learning […]
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Feb2026Charles University honoured with EU Award for Gender Equality Champions
The Coimbra Group warmly congratulates its member Charles University on receiving the EU Award for Gender Equality Champions in the “Newcomer” Category, presented during the 4th edition of the award ceremony held at the Berlaymont in Brussels on 3 February. The award was handed over by European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, […]
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Jan2026Advancing our collective commitment to climate action and sustainability
Ludovic Thilly, Chair, Coimbra Group Executive BoardBeatrix Busse, Vice-Chair, Coimbra Group Executive BoardDanny Donoghue, Lead member for Sustainability, Coimbra Group Executive Board With only four years remaining to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and with scientific evidence pointing to accelerating climate deterioration, universities are increasingly expected not only to support the green […]
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Jan2026Coimbra Group advocates for a stronger, better-funded Erasmus+ at the European Parliament
The Coimbra Group participated in a higher education stakeholder dialogue on 28 January 2026 at the European Parliament, invited by MEP Bogdan Zdrojewski, rapporteur for the Erasmus+ 2028-2034 programme. Emmanuelle Gardan, director of the Coimbra Group Office, and Rúben Castro, policy and advocacy officer, represented the network during the discussions. The Coimbra Group reaffirmed that […]
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Jan2026Consolidating the European Research Area: for a stronger and more integrated ERA
Coimbra Group’s input to the European Commission’s consultation on the development of the European Research Area Act The Coimbra Group (CG) has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s public consultation on the development of an European Research Area (ERA) Act. We welcome the opportunity to provide complementary input after the set of actions proposed […]
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Jan2026Green Erasmus 2.0 project kicks off
We are delighted to announce that the Erasmus+ funded project Green Erasmus 2.0, coordinated by the University of Poitiers and involving the Coimbra Group as a full partner, officially kicked off online on 16 December 2025. Building on earlier initiatives, the project aims to foster sustainable behaviour among mobile students, develop challenge-based learning initiatives, and […]
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Jan2026Coimbra Group calls for a €60 billion Erasmus+ budget for 2028-2034
The Coimbra Group has joined forces with other European higher education organisations to issue a joint statement calling for an Erasmus+ budget of at least €60 billion for 2028–2034. With negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget currently under way, the statement, published today (7 January), urges the European Parliament and Member States to significantly […]
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Dec2025Universities at the Heart of Europe’s Future: Reflections from the Danish EU Presidency
Professor Brian Bech Nielsen, Rector, Aarhus University It was a proud day for Aarhus University when, at the beginning of July, we hosted the official opening of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU. Led by Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission convened at Aarhus University for its first meeting under the […]
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Dec2025Coimbra Group plays active role in the third EU Conference on Research Careers
The third EU Conference on Research Careers took place in Brussels on 18-19 December, marking an important milestone: 20 years of the European Charter for Researchers. Over two days, hundreds of research and innovation policy-makers and stakeholders gathered to exchange ideas, network and shape the future of research careers across the European Research Area (ERA). […]
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Dec2025Coimbra Group and the Durham Declaration at COP30: Advancing University-Led Climate Action and Collaborative Research
The Coimbra Group strengthened its international engagement on climate action at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, through the launch of the Durham Declaration on Climate Change and Sustainability and through Durham University’s convening of high-level discussions on ocean governance, climate law, and climate science. These activities underscored the growing role of universities as key actors in […]
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Dec2025Join the European Doctoral Day initiative on 13 May 2026
We are pleased to announce the launch of the first European Doctoral Day and its official website. The inaugural edition will take place on 13 May 2026. The European Doctoral Day is a pan-European celebration of doctoral education and the impact of doctoral graduates. The initiative aims to inspire future researchers, raise awareness among employers, […]
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Dec2025Coimbra Group calls the EU to address barriers to global talent
The Coimbra Group actively contributed to the European Commission’s Implementation Dialogue on Talent Attraction and Retention, hosted by Commissioner Magnus Brunner in Brussels on 11 December. Represented by its Brussels Office Director, Emmanuelle Gardan, the network called for a holistic approach to make Europe a more attractive destination for global talent. During the dialogue, the […]
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Dec2025Shared vision, unified voice: universities and research institutes in Europe propose joint FP10 amendments
More than 900 universities and research institutes across Europe, organised under the Coimbra Group and six other leading European R&I networks, have submitted a joint package of amendments to the European Commission’s proposals for the upcoming EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10) ahead of the EU27 Research Ministers’ meeting on 9 December. Our […]
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Nov2025Reinventing campus democracy – about democracy, openness and trust
Professor Wilco Hazeleger, Rector, Utrecht University Only days ago, I contributed to Reinventing Campus Democracy, the seminar celebrating 40 years of partnership within the Coimbra Group. More than a milestone, it was a moment to reflect on the role of universities in today’s world full of internal and external pressures. As academic educators and researchers, […]
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Nov2025Coimbra Group 40th Anniversary
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 […]
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Nov2025High-Level Seminar: Reinventing Campus Democracy
One of the highlights of the Coimbra Group’s 40th birthday celebrations was the High-Level Seminar, “Reinventing Campus Democracy: Bridging Divides and Advancing Solutions”, co-organised with Utrecht University and supported by ESU. With more than 100 participants, the seminar served as the final landmark event of the CG’s 40th anniversary year. It addressed one of the […]
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Nov2025Coimbra Group and ESU: Strengthening a shared commitment to students
On 21 November 2025, during the Coimbra Group’s High-Level Seminar “Reinventing Campus Democracy: Bridging Divides and Advancing Solutions” in Brussels, the Coimbra Group (CG) and the European Students’ Union (ESU) formalised a new chapter in their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement was signed by Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group […]
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