Education Builds a Strong Europe
A European university alliance is a long-term, close collaboration between several universities in different European countries, funded by the European Commission. There are now 73 such alliances in Europe, and UiT is part of one of them: EUGLOH. But what on earth does Northern Norway need a university alliance for, you may be wondering? Let us explain.
It was the European Commission that established the European university alliance scheme through what is known as the ‘European Universities Initiative’. The idea of alliances was launched by French President Emmanuel Macron in a speech at the Sorbonne. The alliances receive funding through the EU’s Erasmus+ programme.
Standing Shoulder to Shoulder
This is quite simply about strengthening Europe, so that we can stand stronger in the face of increasing global competition. The power struggle in the world is not played out only through tariff disputes and oil prices, as the news constantly reminds us. It is also being fought in the arena of knowledge. Leading universities in the United States and Asia compete for the best minds: talented students, pioneering researchers and, not least, research funding. If Europe is to retain its position as a knowledge region, we must make use of the strength that lies in co-operation among us. Together, we are stronger than we are individually. This is important for Norway and Northern Norway.
Joint Education
University alliances have therefore become an important tool in developing what we call a common European education area, where education is seen as the basis for personal development, employability and responsible citizenship. In Europe, we want education to be at the heart of the European way of life and to help strengthen the economy and democracy through freedom, diversity, human rights and social justice.
Through university alliances, which cross many national borders, it will become much easier for students to complete parts of their education at several institutions, for researchers to build international networks, and for universities to share infrastructure and develop joint solutions to societal challenges.
Knowledge Without Borders
At UiT The Arctic University of Norway, we depend on strong international partners in order to develop knowledge that benefits society – knowledge that helps create good lives for all of us. Knowledge knows no national borders, and research is therefore, naturally, global.
Through our participation in EUGLOH, the European University Alliance for Global Health, UiT is part of a community comprising a total of ten European universities. This means that staff and students from Germany, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Serbia, Hungary, Portugal and Spain will eventually be able to move freely between the campuses and share working methods and experiences.
A Culture of Sharing
EUGLOH is developing a joint course catalogue and giving our students access to learning environments at recognised universities throughout Europe. This will give them new perspectives, experience of international co-operation and problem-solving skills – all of which are crucial in the working life of the future.
At the same time, our staff and researchers will have new opportunities to develop research projects and educational programmes together with colleagues from other European countries. For UiT, this is also about bringing perspectives from the High North into Europe, including our experience of climate change in the Arctic, health challenges in sparsely populated areas, emergency preparedness and sustainable resource management. This knowledge is crucial to solving the major challenges associated with global health.
Through EUGLOH, we can share this knowledge and contribute to change both locally and globally.
Trust across borders and cultures
University alliances also help build community, trust and understanding across cultures and national borders. Anyone who has been on a student exchange knows what we mean. The learning is not only academic. It is very much personal, social, linguistic and cultural as well.
You grow as a person and gain something that stays with you and opens doors to the world. In a time marked by uncertainty and polarisation, these are values we cannot take for granted. If UiT and Northern Norway are to succeed in educating the workforce of tomorrow and contribute to solving society’s challenges, we must co-operate with the best academic communities in Europe.
