EMUNI University participated in the EUNICoast Steering Committee meeting hosted by the University of Patras, Greece, on 6–7 October 2026. Bringing together representatives of the alliance’s 13 partner universities, the meeting focused on progress after two years of cooperation and how joint activities are contributing to lasting changes within universities and their communities.
As EUNICoast prepares its mid-term report for the European Commission, discussions centred on demonstrating the benefits of cooperation for students, staff and regional stakeholders. Partners considered how alliance initiatives are being integrated into institutional strategies, governance, mobility procedures and educational practices.
Insights from the alliance’s external mid-term evaluation, conducted by Technopolis Group, highlighted emerging examples of institutional change. These include universities adapting mobility rules, strengthening internationalisation structures and incorporating shared priorities such as artificial intelligence, community engagement and micro-credentials into their work.
For EMUNI, these discussions connect closely with its commitment to international cooperation and engagement across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Participation in EUNICoast provides a framework for exchanging expertise, developing partnerships and expanding opportunities for its university community.
The Steering Committee also reviewed progress on the EUNICoast Portal, partner universities’ community engagement plans, and milestones relating to education, community engagement and mobility. Quality assurance and evidence gathering were central to the discussions, with partners examining how to document changes in institutional policies, procedures and everyday practices.
The meeting further underlined the value of closer coordination across the alliance’s work packages. Face-to-face exchanges helped partners identify connections between activities and explore how shared priorities can translate into meaningful opportunities within each university.
Looking ahead, partners emphasised the importance of embedding EUNICoast initiatives into long-term institutional plans and structures. The aim is to ensure that the partnerships, tools and approaches developed through the alliance continue to benefit universities and coastal communities beyond the project’s funding period.
EUNICoast will return to Patras from 12 to 15 April 2027 for its first International Conference.
Adapted from EUNICoast’s report on the Steering Committee meeting in Patras.
