During the SEA-EU European Sea University Summit in Naples (24-28 November), the directions for the development of the partnership were presented in the context of preparations for the European Commission's call for proposals for the financing of the next two-year phase of the European Universities Initiative programme. The discussion focused on the consortium's priorities for the transition period, the prospect of its further professionalisation and the strengthening of SEA-EU's position as one of the pioneers of European alliances.

Rectors, vice-rectors, deans and representatives of university administrations discussed setting realistic goals and defining actions that would give the consortium a lasting competitive advantage in the upcoming funding period.

The University of Gdańsk was represented by: Rector prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations dr hab. Anna Jurkowska-Zeidler, prof. UG, Vice-Rector for Education dr Ewa Szymczak, prof. UG, Dean of the Faculty of Management dr hab. Angelika Kędzierska-Szczepaniak, prof. UG, Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography dr hab. Katarzyna Smolarz, prof. UG, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics dr Magdalena Markiewicz, UG students’ representative Izabela Ziomek, and administration representatives: Marlena Rutkowska-Myzyk, Natalia Lubińska, Maciej Siwy, Paulina Pawelska and Paulina Jędrzejczyk.

Four areas of greatest impact of European universities

During the discussion, four strategic areas of action were identified, which, in line with the latest EU priorities, the Skills & Talent Mobility Agenda and the direction of work on the European diploma, can bring about the greatest transformative effect:

1. Deepened institutional cooperation and agile management structures, strengthening the autonomy and long-term stability of European academic partnerships.
2. Joint study programmes, competitive, based on the potential of 5-7 universities simultaneously, responding to European competence needs (green, blue & digital skills).
3. Integrated research, R&D and educational projects and shared infrastructure, strengthening the participation of partners in Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programmes.
4. A joint international virtual campus that will integrate the SEA-EU community and serve as a tool for increasing inclusiveness, mobility and recognition.

Key decisions of the SEA-EU rectors

During the meeting, the rectors discussed short- and medium-term action scenarios within the partnership, models for financing joint initiatives and a strategy for developing joint study programmes in line with the upcoming guidelines for the European Degree Label.

The most important achievement of the summit was the establishment of the SEA-EU association and the signing of its statutes by all rectors. This gives the alliance legal personality and enables the implementation of stable and transparent governance mechanisms in line with the European Commission's recommendations on the professionalisation of European Universities.

"The establishment of a fully functioning alliance entity with legal personality is the foundation for future stability and the ability to implement ambitious projects. It is also a key step towards a modern European University model, one that shares strategies, resources, and responsibility. We are gaining a stronger starting position to secure stable sources of funding and greater influence on the development of the European Education Area, emphasised Rector prof. Piotr Stepnowski.

SEA-EU: a lighthouse for European University alliances

The SEA-EU Governing Board also identified areas that need further strengthening, in line with the EU's priorities on talent mobility and building a Europe of Skills:

• increasing the number of students in joint degree programmes,
• a systemic approach to mobility - including the creation of a seamless mobility model,
• the development of flexible learning pathways,
• piloting an innovative recognition system mobility experience credits (MCTS), linked to the ECTS concept and used to assess the skills and competences acquired during exchange programmes,
• standardisation of BIP and Staff Weeks formats,
• deepening cooperation with the socio-economic environment and joint projects responding to the needs of coastal regions and blue economy sectors.

SEA-EU also plans to intensify cooperation with other European alliances, strengthening the position of the partnership as a 'lighthouse alliance', setting standards in the transformation of European higher education.

The historic first meeting of SEA-EU deans

The Summit also saw the first-ever meeting of representatives of the deans of partner universities. Their role as key ‘agents of change’ was emphasised, co-creating:

• joint study programmes,
• integrated research cooperation,
• the development of future skills,
• the protection of academic freedom and high-quality standards.

The deans presented three key recommendations:

1. Establishment of a permanent forum of deans as a strategic structure for developing joint academic initiatives.
2. Strengthening fundraising - especially from Horizon Europe - through thematic networks and joint consortia composed of representatives of partner universities.
3. Clarifying the identity of SEA-EU in the next funding period, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinarity and consistent communication of the alliance's brand.

Student Council with new statutes

During the meeting in Naples, the SEA-EU Student Council Statutes were finally sealed - a key document necessary for the continued functioning and development of student community participation in the alliance. On behalf of the students of the University of Gdańsk, the Statutes were signed by Izabela Ziomek, a student of Audiovisual Production at the Faculty of Languages and a participant in the SEA-EU Ambassadors programme.

‘After months of joint work, discussions and project preparations, we are proud to say that the Statute has been officially completed and signed. This is an important milestone for us, as it gives the Student Council a clearer structure, greater continuity and a solid foundation for future members,’ say the members of the SEA-EU Student Council.

A shared vision: a stronger European campus

After the Naples Summit, one thing is certain: within the SEA-EU, by creating a community of nine European coastal universities, we are truly crossing borders to build a modern, integrated, resilient and competitive international European University.