From October 13–17, during the Science and Innovation Week, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) welcomed a delegation of students and lecturers from the University of Macerata (Italy), who took part in the activities of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) Travelling Seminar. The multi-day academic programme brought together lecturers and students from different countries for lively discussions on politics, technology, and international relations.
Among the week’s highlights was a lecture by Professor Simona Epasto from the University of Macerata, titled “AI and Geopolitics: Theoretical Perspectives.” The lecture examined the relationship between artificial intelligence and geopolitical power shifts. Following the presentation, MRU and Macerata students engaged in a roundtable discussion to exchange insights and experiences.
Shifting Global Power: From Multipolarity to Regional Security
Professor Dr. Andres de Garcia Castro delivered a lecture analysing the changing balance of global power and the transformation of the liberal Western order. Students had the opportunity to gain an analytical perspective on the challenges to democracy, regional security dynamics, and issues relevant to Lithuania – including the war in Ukraine and the geopolitical situation of the Baltic States.
During the same week, a lecture-discussion titled “EU and the Challenges at the End of the First Quarter of the 21st Century” featured former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and MRU Council Chair Dr. Antanas Valionis. He shared his insights on Lithuania’s path to the European Union, reflected on current EU challenges, and encouraged students to think critically about Lithuania’s role in shaping Europe’s future. The event demonstrated Dr. Valionis’s active engagement in MRU’s academic life and ERUA initiatives.
Digital Sovereignty and the Future of Artificial Intelligence
Professor Dr. Algis Krupavičius from MRU’s Faculty of Public Governance and Business delivered a lecture on digital sovereignty and science diplomacy in Central and Eastern Europe, discussing how small states can strengthen their positions in the global technology race by building strong AI ecosystems, fostering innovation, and adhering to ethical principles.
The seminar series concluded with student-led discussions titled “Multipolar AI in Multipolar World,” which explored how the approaches of the US, China, the European Union, and other regions to artificial intelligence shape the global technological balance and drive innovation worldwide.
Discovering Lithuania: History, Culture, and Democracy
The international week concluded with a cultural and educational programme. The visiting delegation explored Vilnius Old Town, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, and the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania, learning about the country’s democratic development, digital security, and sovereignty policies. The visit offered participants not only academic enrichment but also an authentic experience of Lithuania’s history, culture, and modern statehood.
ERUA – A Platform for Shared Ideas and Initiatives
Mykolas Romeris University is an active member of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA), committed to fostering international cooperation, interdisciplinarity, and innovation in higher education. The ERUA Travelling Seminar at MRU once again demonstrated how partnerships among European universities create a genuine space for academic growth, exchange of ideas, and collaborative knowledge creation.
