The conference not only highlighted the achievements of RUN-EU through the EPA-Missions but also served as the launchpad for a 2.5-day workshop focused on the development and implementation of Joint Programmes – one of the most ambitious and transformative forms of international collaboration in higher education.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from across the alliance, including Joint Programme development teams, institutional leaders, quality assurance experts, and members of the RUN-EPA working group dedicated to Joint Programmes. Through a series of focused sessions, participants worked on translating the RUN-EU Joint Programme Characteristics and the criteria of the European Degree Label, such as student involvement, sustainability, and multilingualism, into actionable strategies for implementation.

Expert contributions from the Future and Advanced Pedagogy Skills Academy (FAPSA), RUN-EU’s pedagogical unit, and the RUN-EU Quality Assurance Group enriched the discussions, helping to align educational innovation with institutional frameworks.

A standout moment of the week was the full-day workshop led by European expert Maciej Markowski, who guided participants through the complexities of Joint Programme development. His core message, that the student experience must be at the heart of every programme design, resonated strongly throughout the sessions.

The event concluded with inspiring best practice exchanges from the European University Alliances ULYSSEUS and YUFE, offering concrete examples of successful cross-border collaboration and reinforcing RUN-EU’s commitment to excellence in joint education initiatives.

RUN-EU is proud to have facilitated this important dialogue and remains dedicated to advancing high-quality, student-centred Joint Programmes across Europe.