Paris-Panthéon-Assas University hosted the 2026 annual meeting of the European 4EU+ Alliance in late October. The event, themed "4EU+: Europe as a driving force for a brighter future," gathered representatives from the eight member universities. Discussions focused on crucial topics such as opportunities for young researchers, the future of lifelong learning across Europe, and the integration of AI in higher education.
Sorbonne University, a member of 4EU+ since 2023, played an active role in the exchanges. Its delegation, including President Nathalie Drach-Temam, Vice-President for International Relations Guillaume Fiquet, Vice-President Delegate for the Alliance Sabine Bottin-Rousseau, and Vice-President for Research Élisabeth Angel-Perez, contributed to various working groups. The university had previously hosted the first annual meeting and is set to host the next one in 2027.
The general assembly was marked by the official handover of the Alliance's presidency. The Rector of the University of Geneva, Audrey Leuba, passed the baton to the President of Paris-Panthéon-Assas University, Stéphane Braconnier, for the 2026-2027 term. In a video address, former French President François Hollande highlighted the essential role of European universities in defending Europe's intellectual sovereignty, their ability to attract talent, conduct research, and foster innovation and the European economy.
Berni Hasenknopf, Vice-President Delegate for Europe, presented the internal audit and quality work, recalling the context of decisive elections and the need for 4EU+ to assert its value amidst growing skepticism towards the European model. Marta La Torre, project manager at Sorbonne University, co-led a session on the future of lifelong learning, focusing on the development of micro-credentials across the Alliance.
Young researchers from Sorbonne University, Tara Chapron and Arsen Cenaj, shared their perspectives on engaging this community within the Alliance. Paola Cinnella, Director of SCAI (Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence), participated in a panel discussion on AI in higher education. The progress of the flagship theme on environmental transitions, co-coordinated by David Siaussat, was presented by Rahul Waslekar, highlighting the launch of a new Erasmus Mundus in biodiversity.
Next year, in 2027, Sorbonne University will assume the presidency of the Alliance and host the annual meeting again, continuing 4EU+'s ambitions in Europe and beyond, and reaffirming the shared conviction of a Europe driving a better future, powered by the excellence of its member universities.
