Collaboration in focus as Umeå University hosted EC2U coordinators meeting
Between 16–18 September 2025, Umeå University welcomed over 30 delegates from across Europe for the EC2U local coordinators meeting. The gathering marked an important step in strengthening the European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) alliance and in planning its continued development. Umeå University has been an official member of the alliance since 1 May 2025.
Published: 2025-09-25 Text: David Meyers
ImageMattias Pettersson
Over the three days, local coordinators and communication officers from all nine EC2U partner universities gathered to exchange experiences, align strategies, and plan the next stages of the alliance’s development. Key discussions focused on monitoring work packages and budgets, onboarding new coordinators and task groups, enhancing communication channels, and ensuring sustainable contributions to EC2U’s projects and goals.
The programme also included strategic conversations on national cooperation within the European Universities Initiative, developing an alumni network for EC2U’s joint master’s programmes, and strengthening impact dissemination. A special focus group was dedicated to the alliance’s mid-term report, ensuring transparency and accountability for future progress.
Beyond the meetings, participants had the opportunity to explore Umeå University and the city’s vibrant cultural and academic environment. Highlights included a guided tour of the Bildmuseet contemporary art museum, participation in the University’s 60th anniversary celebration, a visit to the IKSU sports centre under the “Health on Campus” initiative, and an introduction to Swedish culture and student life.
Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg highlighted the importance of EC2U in Umeå University’s internationalisation efforts:
"Hosting this local coordinators meeting reflects Umeå University’s strong commitment to EC2U," said Tora Holmberg. "Together, we are building long-term collaborations that benefit our students and researchers while helping shape a more sustainable and connected Europe."
The EC2U alliance unites universities across Europe to foster education, mobility, and cooperation. The local coordinators meeting in Umeå laid a strong foundation for collaboration and highlighted Umeå University’s active role in this European university initiative.
About EC2U
The European Campus of City-Universities (EC2U) is a collaboration between nine European universities including each higher education institution's associated partners. The work within the alliance includes education, research, campus development, student activities, and sustainability.
Universities in the alliance
France: University of Poitiers (coordinating university)
Portugal: University of Coimbra
Romania: Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași
Germany: Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Italy: University of Pavia
Spain: University of Salamanca
Finland: University of Turku
Austria: Johannes Kepler University Linz
Sweden: Umeå University
Read more about the EC2U alliance (ec2u.eu)
For more information, contact
Umeå University ready for European collaboration
On 1 May, it was announced that Umeå University will become a member of the European alliance EC2U.
The European Campus of City-Universities
EC2U is a collaboration between nine European universities including associated partners.