On Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 January, the University of Brescia carried out an institutional mission in Brussels with the aim of consolidating its strategic position within the main European institutions and strengthening dialogue on the future direction of EU policies on research, innovation, higher education and skills development.
The Unibs delegation met with representatives of the European Commission, the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union, the Lombardy Region and national and European university and research networks. The meetings focused on the main dossiers of the next European programming period, with particular reference to Horizon Europe 2026-2027, the future FP10 Framework Programme (2028-2034), the European University Alliances, the European Degree/Label and the Union of Skills.
Discussions with the European Commission confirmed the strengthening of the role of research and innovation as a lever for European competitiveness, with a growing focus on industrial impact, research security and strategic partnerships, particularly in the automotive, battery and electrification sectors. The discussions also confirmed the role of European University Alliances as structural platforms for integrating teaching, research and innovation, strengthening the portability of skills and supporting European competitiveness.
The mission also provided an opportunity to explore Italy's priorities in European negotiations and EU policies in the fields of health, biotechnology and digital health, as well as to enhance the role of Unibs' representation in Brussels and its collaboration with the regional system.
The outcomes of the meetings will help guide our University's future actions, strengthening its participation in European programmes and its contribution to the major transitions of the European Union.