Frankfurt (Oder), Germany – June 6, 2025
This week, the Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) played host to number of important ERUA meetings under the title “Vision Forward: ERUA Governance, Strategy & Impact”. From June 4 to 6, 2025, the ERUA Steering committee and the Board of rectors took place. The event brought together members of the eight universities, members of the European Reform University Alliance for high-level discussions shaping the future of the alliance’s governance, strategic direction, and long-term impact.
Throughout the three days, participants engaged in workshops and strategic foresight sessions aimed at enhancing ERUA’s institutional collaboration, promoting open science, and empowering student-centered innovation across its member universities.
Setting an inspiring tone for the morning’s Board of Rectors Meeting, participants were treated to a stunning live performance by pianist and composer Søren Gundermann. His original piece, “Europe Variations”, resonated deeply with the spirit of the alliance — a reflection on unity, complexity, and cultural dialogue across borders.
The performance provided more than a musical interlude; it was a poignant artistic expression that captured the emotional and intellectual aspirations of ERUA’s mission.
As part of the program, the ERUA delegation was welcomed by Claus Junghanns, Mayor of Frankfurt (Oder), who emphasized the city’s strong commitment to international cooperation, academic exchange, and its vibrant role as a European border city. In an engaging discussion, Mayor Junghanns highlighted opportunities for deeper collaboration between the city and ERUA universities, particularly in fostering civic engagement, student integration, and cross-border initiatives with neighboring Poland. The meeting underscored the shared vision of building bridges—not only between institutions, but also between communities.
As the conference concluded, ERUA reaffirmed its strategic objectives and outlined the next steps toward deepening its governance framework, with an eye toward the future initiative.
