The EUNICoast Board of Rectors met in Burgas, Bulgaria, on 17 September 2026, bringing together the leadership of the Alliance’s thirteen member universities, including EMUNI University. The meeting marked an important step in shaping the long-term future of EUNICoast, with key decisions on strategy, financial sustainability, legal structure, international partnerships and academic freedom.
A common strategic direction through 2037
A central outcome of the meeting was the approval of the EUNICoast Strategic Plan 2026–2037, establishing a shared long-term direction for cooperation across the Alliance.
The strategy covers institutional cooperation, education, research and innovation, transformation, societal engagement, policy contribution and sustainability. It provides a common framework for connecting the Alliance’s activities and strengthening collaboration among its member universities in the years ahead.
Building a sustainable Alliance beyond 2028
The Board also endorsed a common approach to ensuring EUNICoast’s financial sustainability beyond 2028. The framework combines institutional support, equitable and flexible contributions, diversified funding sources and continued oversight at rector level.
In parallel, the thirteen member universities confirmed their intention to work towards establishing EUNICoast as a member-controlled, non-profit legal entity.
The future structure could provide permanent professional and operational support for joint activities, including funding development, Alliance-level staff, shared services, partnerships and external representation, while preserving the legal identity, academic authority and institutional autonomy of each university.
Strengthening international partnerships
The Board supported the structured expansion of EUNICoast partnerships beyond Europe, building on existing connections with the Mediterranean, Africa, the Americas, the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, the North Atlantic and the Arctic.
For EMUNI, with its strong Euro-Mediterranean mission and network, this international dimension represents an important opportunity to contribute to broader cooperation between European coastal and island universities and partners across the Mediterranean and beyond.
These partnerships are expected to strengthen the Alliance’s academic and societal reach while contributing to European priorities related to oceans, islands, coastal communities, territorial cohesion and international cooperation.
Commitment to academic freedom
Another important outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the EUNICoast Declaration on Academic Freedom and Responsibility in the Advancement of Knowledge.
The declaration reaffirms the Alliance’s commitment to free and responsible inquiry, institutional autonomy, intellectual integrity and reasoned disagreement as fundamental principles of universities and trustworthy knowledge.
The Burgas meeting represents an important milestone in EUNICoast’s development, providing the Alliance and its member universities with a clear strategic framework for deeper cooperation, long-term sustainability and stronger international engagement.
As a member of EUNICoast, EMUNI University looks forward to contributing to the implementation of this shared vision and to strengthening connections between Europe’s coastal and island communities and the wider Mediterranean region.
Read the full Burgas Declaration of EUNICoast’s Board of Rectors.
