Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies has become a member of the European Universities alliance CHALLENGEEU
To enhance opportunities for international collaboration in studies and science, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) has become a member of the European Universities alliance CHALLENGEEU. This membership will significantly accelerate the university's development pace, including expanding existing international mobility opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers. It is one of the 14 new university alliances supported by the European Commission under the 2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call.
To achieve the transformation of higher education in Europe and create a unified and competitive higher education space, the European Commission has supported the establishment of 64 university alliances in recent years, bringing together more than 560 higher education institutions.
LBTU has become a member of one such alliance and, in the coming years, will collaborate with eight European universities from Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, North Macedonia, Spain, and Poland to implement study programs, research projects, and promote good governance principles.
In the CHALLENGEEU alliance, LBTU will begin joint work with Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany), European University of Lisbon (Portugal), Mid Sweden University (Sweden), ECAM La Salle (France), University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (Switzerland), South East European University (North Macedonia), European University of Valencia (Spain), and University of Warmia and Mazury (Poland).
"LBTU is a multidisciplinary university specializing in the sustainable use of natural resources. Many of our study programs and scientific research are unique in Latvia, and to ensure their further development and strengthen the university's position in the Baltic Sea region, we have decided to join an international university alliance. We are proud to have become partners in such a strong alliance, and that our joint efforts have been supported by the European Commission. This marks a new chapter in the university's history and will enable us to achieve our strategic goals as a science university. Additionally, it will provide our students with opportunities to grow as professionals not only at the Latvian level but also at the European level, and we will welcome more students and faculty from other European countries to Jelgava," says LBTU rector Irina Arhipova.
European University alliances bring together a new generation of Europeans and allow them to study and work in different European countries, in various languages, fields, and academic disciplines. Students can receive a high-level education by combining studies in several European countries, enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of European higher education on the international stage. These alliances also drive innovation in European regions, enabling students to collaborate with academics, researchers, businesses, cities, institutions, and civil society organizations.
The goal of European Universities is to improve the international competitiveness of European universities and promote European values and identity. This initiative will foster long-term and strategic cooperation among higher education institutions, promoting innovative research and education activities to address societal challenges.
