Representatives from European and Canadian universities met in Brussels on 25–27 February for a three-day conference on higher education, research, and scientific diplomacy
Academic cooperation between the EU and Canada was framed not as a diplomatic endpoint, but as an enabler of stronger global higher education
The conference was organised by UNICA in partnership with the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Canada, the International Association of Universities (IAU), and Science|Business.
University leaders, policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders from the Higher Education and Research sectors from Europe and Canada gathered in Brussels, on 25 to 27 February, for the UNICA Days 2026, issuing a strong and united call to reinforce transatlantic cooperation as a cornerstone for global citizenship education, democratic resilience, and sustainable development.
The Conference was organised by UNICA, the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe, with the support of the Delegation for Relations with Canada of the European Parliament, the International Association of Universities (IAU) and Science|Business.
Under the title “EU–Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures”, the event reaffirmed that the shared values uniting Europe and Canada are the foundation for strengthening higher education’s mission to serve the public good.
Universities rooted in society, transcending borders
In today’s fragmented and often volatile geopolitical landscape - marked by rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and declining trust in democratic institutions - the message from Brussels was clear: fundamental values cannot be taken for granted.
Throughout five thematic sessions, participants emphasised the idea that academia transcends borders, but universities remain deeply rooted in society. Having the opportunity and responsibility to cultivate the critical thinking that drives democracy, universities are instrumental in preparing globally minded citizens capable of navigating an increasingly complex world.
Investment in universities is an investment in the future of democracy. Ultimately, protecting universities is not only about safeguarding academic freedom; it is about defending freedom itself.
Transatlantic Cooperation as a Global Enabler
Strategic alliances between actors that share a vision of universities as engines of civic engagement, global dialogue, and societal progress, have become extremely valuable. At the Conference, strengthening academic cooperation between the EU and Canada was framed not as a diplomatic endpoint, but as an enabler of stronger global higher education.
Trust, participants agreed, remains the most valuable currency of international relations. Shared commitments to quality, inclusion, science for the public good, and democratic values create the conditions for meaningful and lasting partnerships.
Crucially, discussions emphasised that shared values cannot be credibly upheld without including historically marginalised communities. In the pursuit of successful global citizenship education, universities must integrate perspectives from the Global South, ensuring that global partnerships generate real mutual value rather than expanding networks for their own sake.
Programmes such as Horizon Europe were highlighted as key tools to seize opportunities for deeper collaboration. At the same time, participants underlined the importance of funding systems capable of outlasting political cycles, ensuring stability and long-term impact.
Universities for urban resilience and global sustainability
It was noted in the opening session that there is a distinction between ‘science diplomacy’ and ‘diplomacy for science’; a statement that emphasises that institutions are not only beneficiaries of diplomacy, but actors in soft diplomacy.
Having established that universities are engines of civic engagement, urban universities in particular were called upon to reimagine their civic role. As noted in one of the sessions, urban development is a never-ending task. Universities must actively contribute to urban resilience both by reacting to shocks and unforeseen crises and, maybe more importantly, by shaping long-term transformation projects and designing the cities of the future.
To achieve this vision, universities must reinforce their engagement with citizens and communicate clearly how public funding translates into societal benefit.
Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in the debate. Participants called for a shift in perspective: success in AI should be measured not by scale or market visibility, but by its contribution to the public good. The conversation underscored that the evolution of science and research often moves at a different pace from policymaking, requiring sustained dialogue and mutual understanding between academia and decision-makers.
Rethinking the mission of universities
Against a backdrop in which universities no longer hold a monopoly on higher education, participants reflected on the need to reaffirm what is distinctive about these institutions. Teaching, research, and service remain the three core missions, but their articulation must evolve.
Calls for stronger transversal skills and work-integrated learning were seen both as opportunities and risks. While closer collaboration with external partners can enhance relevance and employability, poorly designed placements risk undermining educational value.
Revitalising the humanistic ideal of higher education was presented as a way to reconcile employability and global citizenship. Moreover, there was a call for epistemic humility, that is, for professionals of higher education to challenge their own assumptions as an exercise for universities to model the open-mindedness they seek to instil in students.
A roadmap for EU– Canada academic cooperation
The three-day conference concluded with a shared recognition that the EU and Canada are united by common values and by a common responsibility to act.
Transatlantic cooperation in higher education is essential to sustaining trust, defending democracy, advancing research for the public good, and shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.
As participants affirmed in Brussels, shared values create trust, which ultimately creates the foundations for shared futures.
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