On 14 April 2026, coordinators of the European Universities alliances gathered in Brussels for a working retreat focused on co-shaping the next phase of the initiative, together with the European Commission. 

The meeting was opened by Diana Jablonska, Director for Youth, Education and Erasmus+, and Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen of the European Commission. Discussions centred on key aspects of the post-2027 framework, including the design of the future action under the 2028–2034 programming period, mobility and international cooperation dimensions, and the alliances’ role in advancing EU competitiveness and the European Research Area. 

Building on the work of the FOREU4ALL community, alliance coordinators shared progress, lessons learned, and emerging practices across alliances. However, discussions on future mechanisms—particularly the funding model, mobility ambitions, and international scope—remain closely tied to ongoing negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) and the shape of its flagship programmes (see ACA Newsletter — Education Europe, April 2026). 

Higher education stakeholders continue to advocate for a more diversified funding base for the alliances, including stronger links with Horizon Europe and the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), seen as essential to fully anchor alliances within the EU’s research and innovation agenda. At the same time, the draft report on establishing the ECF, published on 20 April by the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, no longer includes references to the European Universities alliances—potentially complicating efforts to secure a more structured role for them in related funding frameworks.