Brussels, Belgium

The Rectors Council of the EU4dual Alliance convened in Brussels to assess the progress of the European Universities initiative and to define strategic directions for long-term stability and growth. The meeting reaffirmed the Alliance’s mission to position Dual Higher Education as the future of higher education and to establish EU4DUAL as the global benchmark for dual studies.

The Council dedicated significant time on November 3rd to advancing key strategic priorities, particularly the establishment of a dedicated legal entity.

Strategic Priority: Establishment of the Legal Entity (AISBL)

Recognising the need for a structure that will enhance collaboration, branding, and long-term sustainability, the Rectors Council committed to establishing a dedicated legal entity by the end of this year. This structure will be tasked with promoting the Common Dual Model for Higher Education in Europe and beyond and ensuring operational services through a streamlined, independent yet integrated framework.

The November 3rd session focused intensively on this process:

• The Council received the framework and roadmap to establish the AISBL (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif).
• An in-depth presentation and discussion took place regarding the business and
  sustainability plan for the proposed AISBL.
• Rectors examined the legal framework and draft statutes of the AISBL.
  

The establishment of this distinct legal entity, controlled by the members of the alliance, remains integral to the Alliance’s Vision 2030 and its goal of finalising the structure by the end of 2025. The successful discussions on November 3rd led to the discussion and approval of the Foundational agreement of the legal entity.

External Engagement and Policy Dialogue

In line with the Alliance’s commitment to advancing dual education policy, the Rectors
Council engaged in high-level policy dialogues with key European stakeholders in
Brussels on November 3rd.

• A meeting was held with Sybille Thierer (Vice President of Eurochambres), focusing on the theme: “Dual Higher Education: Responding industry needs and strengthening employability”. This engagement underscores the importance of industry alignment, given that EU4DUAL connects with more than 16,000 companies.
• The Council met with Susanne Conze (Head of Unit of Higher Education, DG EAC) for a “Dialogue on policy developments and challenges for dual higher education in Europe”. Key topics discussed included mobility, joint degree implementation, and institutional collaboration.
• The day concluded with a meeting with MEP Laurence Farreng, focused on “Conversations on European University Alliances”.

Reaffirmed Academic and Strategic Progress

The Council reviewed and reaffirmed existing strategic achievements that underscore the Alliance’s objective of becoming the largest integrated Dual Education institution in the world.

• Joint Master Programs: The Council noted the ongoing progress related to Joint Masters. Updates included the approval of the accreditation process for the Joint Dual Master in Green Economy and Sustainable Future.
• Quality and Certification: The Council noted progress on the development of the Center of Excellence and the Dual Studies Quality label. The planned certification programme will award a global DHE quality label, indicating that programmes have achieved excellence in the implementation of work-integrated Higher Education.
• Collaborative and applied research: The Council noted the strong commitment to foster collaborative and applied research transnationally, with the support of a joint industrial PhD programme.

The Rectors Council views the successful engagements and detailed planning session of November 4th as critical steps in advancing the EU4DUAL Alliance’s stability and its strategic capabilities, ensuring stronger partnerships within the alliance and with external partners.