BRUSSELS, 7 May 2026 — The European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) today formally signs the statutes of its new legal entity in Brussels, marking a decisive step in its evolution from project-based collaboration to a permanent institutional alliance of European universities.

The agreement is signed by the rectors of ERUA’s eight member universities, under the leadership of Professor John McCourt, Rector of the University of Macerata and Chair of the ERUA Board of Rectors, together with Arnaud Laimé, Rector of Université Paris 8 and lead coordinator of the alliance.

With this step, ERUA moves beyond temporary cooperation structures and establishes a durable legal framework for long-term joint action in higher education, research, and institutional innovation across Europe. The creation of the legal entity strengthens the alliance’s capacity for continuity, shared governance, and coordinated development.

“This is a defining moment for ERUA. Today’s signature is not simply a formal act. It marks the point at which a shared ambition becomes a lasting institutional reality. By creating a permanent legal framework, we are strengthening our capacity to act together across borders, to invest in long-term cooperation, and to build a European academic space that is inclusive, democratic, and responsive to society.” — Prof. John McCourt, Rector of the University of Macerata and Chair of the ERUA Board of Rectors.

Rooted in the social sciences, humanities, and the arts, ERUA brings together universities committed to reform-oriented, socially engaged, and internationally connected higher education. The new legal entity provides a permanent institutional foundation for this mission and reinforces the alliance’s contribution to key European priorities, including the future of universities, democratic resilience, and meaningful cross-border cooperation.

Mykolas Romeris University Rector Prof. Dr. Inga Žalėnienė emphasized that this step is important not only for the alliance itself, but also for the wider European academic community.

“With legal entity, ERUA rises from collaboration to legacy—shaping not just projects, but the future of Europe. This is more than an institutional step; it is a declaration that ERUA is here to endure, to lead, and to inspire. At a moment when Europe’s academic values are tested, ERUA stands as a bold, united force for freedom, equity, and knowledge. By becoming a legal entity, ERUA claims its place as a lasting beacon of innovation and democratic ideals in higher education,” said the MRU Rector.

For the MRU community, this development means broader opportunities for students, academic staff, and researchers to engage in international activities. Membership in a strong and long-term European university alliance expands opportunities for academic mobility, joint study initiatives, research collaboration, and international projects. The new legal status will help ensure the continuity of these activities, strengthen partnerships, and support the development of innovative solutions within the European higher education area.

In a joint statement, the rectors of the eight member universities emphasized:

“Today, we sign a shared commitment to the future of European higher education. As eight universities rooted in the social sciences, humanities, and the arts, we have chosen to move beyond temporary cooperation and to build a lasting framework for collaboration. ERUA’s new legal entity gives permanent institutional form to the work we have developed together and strengthens our capacity to act jointly over time. It reflects our common determination to support open, democratic, and enduring cooperation across European higher education.”

The ERUA alliance consists of eight universities:

• Université Paris 8
• University of Macerata
• Mykolas Romeris University
• University of the Aegean
• New Bulgarian University
• SWPS University
• University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
• European University Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder)

More about ERUA: ERUA official website