The 4^th Meeting of the Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within the European University Alliances (FOR.UE.PT), was held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 16 May.

It was organised by the Universidade Lusófona, the coordinator of the FilmEU European University, under the theme ‘The Future Challenges in European Universities: The European Higher Education Package 2024’.

RUN-EU was represented by our Portuguese members, Paula Tavares, Vice-President of the Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), and Pedro Assunção, Vice-President of the Polytechnic University of Leiria (IPLeiria), at the 4^th Meeting of Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within European University Alliances, on 16 May.

The meeting brought together representatives from national universities and polytechnic universities and was attended by the Director of the Erasmus+ National Agency, Ana Cristina Perdigão, the coordinator of the Erasmus+ programme, Carla Ruivo, the Director of Higher Education Network Support Services, Inês Vasques Branco, from the Studies and Analysis Office of the Agency for Assessment and Accreditation of Higher Education, Maria João Manatos, and the President of the Executive Committee of FAIRe – Academic Federation for External Information and Representation, Duarte Lopes, who actively participated in the roundtable ‘Charting Paths: Implementation of European Degrees in Portugal.’

Manuel José Damásio, coordinator of FilmEU, presented in detail the objectives and criteria announced by the European Commission for the implementation of a possible European Degree or a Label that qualifies for joint courses, while Barry Dignam from IADT – National Film and Television, Ireland, partner of FilmEU, presented the results of the pilot project ÉTIKETA.

The European Universities Initiative is a pillar of the European Higher Education Strategy, designed to promote excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness in European higher education. The alliances are seen as transnational networks that will shape the universities of the future, enhancing the quality and competitiveness of European higher education while promoting a strong European identity and values.

Portugal’s active participation in these alliances underlines the commitment of the country and its Higher Education Institutions to develop its higher education system through international cooperation. Currently, 20 Portuguese universities are part of these European networks, reflecting the country’s strategic focus on global educational integration and excellence.

FOR.UE.PT is a forum that will primarily facilitate a coordinated response to common challenges, promote mobility and ensure sustainable funding. It will also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering deeper collaboration between national institutions. It is currently coordinated by the University of Beira Interior, together with IPCA and the University of Minho.

FOR.UE.PT’s mission is to unite Portuguese Higher Education Institutions to actively contribute to the development of national and European policies in support of the European Universities Initiative and is available for any future debate that will achieve these objectives.