EMUNI has submitted a structured proposal to the European Commission advocating that the higher education pillar of the New Pact for the Mediterranean be implemented by empowering established Euro‑Mediterranean universities—specifically EMUNI (Slovenia) and UEMF (Morocco)—instead of creating a new institution from scratch. This approach builds on institutions that already act as bridges between Europe, the Southern Mediterranean, and Africa, with demonstrated excellence in intercultural dialogue, teaching, research, and innovation aligned with the Barcelona Process and the Union for the Mediterranean framework.
To deliver immediate, coherent impact, the proposal invites the Commission to designate EMUNI and UEMF as entrusted entities with three core mandates:
- Coordinate Euro‑Mediterranean university alliances to strengthen institutional partnerships and deepen cooperation.
- Promote bi‑directional academic mobility for students, researchers, and staff across the Mediterranean.
- Facilitate research collaboration on shared priorities, including climate change, sustainable energy, digital transformation, migration, and intercultural dialogue.
This model leverages proven capacity and existing networks, avoids duplication, and accelerates progress toward a robust Euro‑Mediterranean Higher Education Area that delivers tangible benefits across both shores.
