The Academic Cooperation Association - ACA succesfully hosted its flagship European policy seminar, What’s New in Brussels?, on 30-31 January 2025 at The Faculty, Brussels. The Erasmus Mundus Student and Alumni Association (EMA) was represented by. Shahin S Eity, Policy and Quality and Assurance Unit Director (Ad Interim), participated in the discussions. ACA's annual event brought together higher education institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the latest developments in European higher education policies and funding programmes.
This year’s edition of What’s New in Brussels provided a timely overview of the evolving landscape of EU policies, particularly in light of the newly composed European Parliament and the nomination of the European Commission (2027-2034). With an updated political vision, agenda, and thematic portfolios, the EU is set to reshape international exchanges and cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation.
The event kicked off with introductory keynotes delivered by distinguished European policy representatives, highlighting the EU’s longstanding and emerging higher education priorities for 2025. Special attention was given to the implications for Erasmus+ and the broader European higher education sector. These insights were followed by a dynamic panel of “flash updates” on synergies between research and education.
Shahin S Eity, EMA's representative, actively contributed to discussions on the evolving priorities of the Erasmus+ programme, particularly in areas related to the Erasmus Mundus Programme and international collaboration in higher education. He highlighted enriched conversations on the challenges and opportunities within Erasmus Mundus and broader EU education frameworks. Specifically, he featured the recent research publication of the Visa Experiences Survey report under the EMA for Equity initiative by the Policy and Quality Assurance Unit. The panellists and participants from the HEIs appreciated the evidence-based approach. Georgiana Plesu, International Relations Officer, DG EAC, EC, said, “This is an impressive work and a really good source of evidence to underline the visa challenges.”
The first day concluded with interactive parallel sessions, focusing on key horizontal priorities of the Erasmus+ programme:
Digitalisation in Erasmus+
Inclusion & Diversity in Erasmus+
Progress on the European Degree Initiative
The key panelists were Stefan Zotti, Policy Officer, Higher Education Unit, DG EAC, EC; Magdalena Maciejewska, Director of DIC; Polish Presidency, Michael Gaebel, Director, EUA; Joerg Niehoff, Deputy Head of Unit, DG RTD, EC; Claire Morrel, Head of Unit MSCA, DG EAC, EC; Yann-Maël Bideau, Policy Officer, DG EAC, EC. Mika Saarinen, Director, Erasmus+ National Agency (EDUFI); Irina Ferencz, Director, ACA; Veronika Kupriyanova, Deputy Director, ACA, and other respective stakeholders moderated these discussions.
Day two began with another series of “flash updates”, this time addressing key milestones for the international dimension of Erasmus+. The panellists were Filip Van Depoele, Head of Unit, International Cooperation, DG EAC, EC, and Ragnild Solvi Berg, Senior Advisor, HK Dir. This was followed by a second set of parallel sessions on Erasmus+ higher education cooperation, focusing on partnerships in the Mediterranean, Africa, and Ukraine.
The event concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion on transnational cooperation and innovation, where experts exchanged insights on best practices and lessons learned from European University alliances and their sustainability beyond the initiative. Gro Tjore, President, ACA addressed the welcoming and closing notes with high hopes to thrive in continuing the discourses and moving forward.
Beyond the panels and discussions, What’s New in Brussels 2025 provided attendees with extensive networking opportunities, enabling stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas on the future of European higher education. As ACA continues its commitment to informing and shaping European higher education policies, What’s New in Brussels remains a key platform for dialogue, policy updates, and strategic cooperation.
EMA was delighted to have its representative actively participate in this event and looks forward to fostering closer collaboration with ACA in the future to enhance international cooperation in higher education.
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