On 23 June 2026, Neth-ER, in partnership with UNL, VH, and the MBO Raad, will host an event in Brussels exploring the future of European University Alliances and Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs). With negotiations for the successors to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe now underway, this is a critical moment to discuss how these initiatives can be structurally embedded in future EU programmes to ensure their long-term impact on Europe’s competitiveness and skills agenda.
Registrations are now open!
Programme
Location: Neth-ER, Rue d’Arlon 22, 1050 Brussels
10:00–10:05 | Opening & Welcome Matthijs Timmermans & Linda Valkó (Neth-ER)
10:05–10:20 | Opening & Political Context Stefan Zotti, Deputy Head of Unit, Higher Education, European Commission (DG EAC)
10:20–10:40 | Pitch 1: European University Alliance (Research University Perspective) Prof. Ines Lopez Arteaga (TU/e - EuroTeQ Alliance)
10:40–11:00 | Pitch 2: European University Alliance (University of Applied Sciences Perspective) Dennis van der Pas (Avans - PIONEER Alliance)
11:00–11:05 | Short Break
11:05–11:25 | Pitch 3: Centre of Vocational Excellence Boudewijn Grievink (PoVE Water, EPLUG, and Community of Practice)
11:25–11:55 | Panel Discussion & Conclusions Joint reflection with pitchers and Commission representatives
12:00–13:00 | Lunch & Networking
Register now to secure your spot and contribute to shaping the future of European alliances and Centres of Vocational Excellence!
