The European Commission will support the next phase of development of the European University Alliance Arqus by approving new project funding for the period 2026–2028. As part of the ‘Arqus Bridge’ project, the alliance of nine partner universities, including the University of Graz, will continue.
Earlier this year, Arqus submitted its application for ‘Bridge’ funding with the aim of deepening the Alliance’s work in terms of both structure and content. The alliance partners welcome the European Commission’s decision to support ‘Arqus Bridge’ – a new phase that will strengthen the institutional integration of the alliance, expand its joint education and research activities, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its cooperation structures. Building on the results of the Erasmus+ work plans implemented since 2019, ‘Arqus Bridge’ marks a decisive step towards the Alliance’s vision of “to become a forward-looking, open, integrated and research-oriented European university that creates transformative excellence together with and for everyone”.
The new project is closely aligned with the Arqus mission statement and the joint long-term strategy for 2026–2035, which was adopted by the Arqus Rectorate in February 2026. This strategic framework defines the Alliance’s priorities for the coming decade and places the emphasis on institutional anchoring, educational innovation, problem-oriented research and greater engagement with society.
Climate change, artificial intelligence, European values and health take centre stage
This new phase will be driven by the overarching flagship initiative ‘Arqus for Democracy’ and four thematic initiatives: climate resilience and sustainable development; responsible artificial intelligence and digital transformation; Europe as a global actor; and sustainable health. ‘Arqus Bridge’ will focus on advancing the Alliance’s flagship initiatives whilst creating the conditions for deeper, more sustainable cooperation between member universities. The Arqus Bridge project is driving the Alliance forward: it promotes joint educational pathways, intensifies research and enhances the mobility of students and staff. At the same time, it reaffirms the Alliance’s commitment to inclusion, multilingualism, sustainability and democratic participation.
The focus in this new phase of the project is on standardising digital systems, shared administration and common quality standards, which will facilitate day-to-day collaboration between the partner universities. In addition, the funding will be used to raise Arqus’s profile globally and to strengthen its role as a driver of innovation within the European Higher Education Area.
More Information can be found on the Arqus Alliance website.