EC Approves SEA-EU NEXT and extends the European University of the Seas until 2029

As a member of the Alliance and the institution currently holding the SEA-EU Presidency, the University of Algarve will play a central role in implementing this new phase, which represents the first step in a long-term roadmap towards becoming a fully integrated European University.

Building on the work carried out during the previous phases, SEA-EU NEXT will strengthen the Alliance’s joint governance, expand the provision of joint degree programmes and innovative learning opportunities, promote staff development and mobility, and consolidate a more inclusive and interconnected European campus experience.

The project is structured around four major pathways of change: consolidating joint governance through the SEA-EU Alliance Association; expanding joint degree programmes and innovative learning opportunities; institutionalising recognition systems that facilitate mobility and lifelong learning; and implementing common standards that promote sustainability, inclusion and student engagement across all partner universities.

In its evaluation, the European Commission highlighted the Alliance’s strong institutional commitment, the establishment of a joint legal entity, the maturity of its governance model, the development of the SEA-EU ONE digital ecosystem, which promotes interoperability across the Alliance, and its unique ability to connect universities located across all major European sea basins. The evaluators also recognised the Alliance’s commitment to European values, including inclusion, accessibility, gender equality and social cohesion.

"The selection of SEA-EU NEXT is both a recognition of what we have achieved together and a responsibility for the future. Over the past few years, we have demonstrated that universities can work beyond borders to create meaningful opportunities for students, academic and professional staff, researchers and the wider community. With SEA-EU NEXT, we are taking a decisive step towards a truly integrated European University, strengthening our collective capacity to address societal challenges and contribute to the resilience and sustainable development of Europe's coastal regions," said Marcela Iglesias, SEA-EU General Coordinator.

The proposal successfully passed a highly competitive evaluation process, reaching the funding threshold established by the European Commission.

Over the next two years, SEA-EU NEXT will consolidate the foundations of a truly integrated European university model, creating new opportunities in education, research, innovation and collaboration, while strengthening the Alliance's long-term sustainability and impact.

With this new phase, the University of Algarve, together with the other eight SEA-EU partner universities, reaffirms its commitment to building a more connected, inclusive and sustainable Europe through higher education.