On 20 October, senior leaders from ACA member organisations gathered in Brussels for the ACA Strategic Summit 2026, the biennial forum bringing together the top leadership of higher education internationalisation funding agencies. Against a backdrop of fast-changing political priorities, geopolitical complexities and growing pressure on public funding, participants reflected on how internationalisation can respond to expectations around economic competitiveness, strategic autonomy and resilience, while remaining firmly rooted in its educational mission and values of quality, inclusion, openness and democratic engagement. 

The discussions, moderated by Jakob Calice (OeAD), Amanda Crameri (Movetia), Cristina Perdigão (IES) and Sveinung Skule (HK-dir), revolved around two themes. The first, repositioning internationalisation, called for a stronger case for its multifaceted value, built on compelling evidence, data and stories that resonate with different audiences and that connect emerging policy priorities with the broader educational and societal benefits of international cooperation. The second, leading organisational transformation, focused on navigating change and uncertainty while sustaining trust, staff motivation and a shared sense of purpose, with particular emphasis on transparent internal communication and trusted peer networks. 

The conversation continued on 21 October at the ACA High-Level Dialogue, “Leveraging international cooperation in higher education for a better future”, which brought together ACA members, Brussels-based networks, student representatives and EU policymakers.  

A first session, moderated by Gro Tjore (HK-dir) with Filip Van Depoele (DG EAC), Amaury Hoste (DG INTPA), Kai Sicks (DAAD) and Michal Uhl (DZS), examined how internationalisation connects to Europe’s wider policy ambitions. Emerging EU priorities include strengthening links between education, research, business and society and improving the recognition and portability of qualifications; enhancing Europe’s attractiveness for global talent while safeguarding inclusion and quality; and aligning Erasmus+ and international partnerships with EU external priorities, notably the Global Gateway, while sustaining cooperation in fragile contexts. 

A second session, moderated by Stephan Geifes with Anita Vella (DG HOME), Tine Delva (DG EAC), Vanessa Debiais-Sainton (REA), Mercedes García Pérez (EEAS), Maija Airas (EDUFI) and Annelies van Eenennaam (Nuffic), addressed international talent and Europe’s socioeconomic future. Themes included attracting and retaining international talent, supporting education-to-employment transitions for international graduates, and translating policy into practice through coordination between higher education, labour market and migration stakeholders at EU, national and institutional levels. A shared challenge emerged: turning expectations into concrete action amid political and budgetary uncertainties affecting EU and national ambitions and resources. 

The programme also featured the third DAAD Fundamental Academic Values Award, presented by Stephan Geifes on behalf of the organisation to Olga Ceran, Cristina Mazzero and Dylan Couck for their outstanding contributions to promoting and protecting fundamental academic values, and a closing keynote by futurist Herman Konings on the outlook, values and expectations of future (student) generations.