On October 2, 2025, the Latvian Academy of Culture hosted the first meeting of representatives of Latvian university alliances. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation, exchange experiences, and discuss current issues related to the implementation of these large-scale initiatives. During the discussions, participants evaluated the experience gained so far and explored opportunities and benefits for future collaboration.

The event brought together representatives from Daugavpils University, the University of Latvia, Riga Technical University, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, and the Latvian Academy of Culture, as well as from the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the State Education Development Agency. Participants included alliance coordinators, project managers, and communication specialists who are directly involved in the implementation and development of various European university alliance projects.

The discussions covered both practical and strategic aspects — from the legal status of alliances and digital infrastructure solutions to mobility programmes, budget planning, and business engagement in joint initiatives. Participants emphasized that involvement in European university alliances significantly strengthens universities’ international visibility, expands cooperation networks, and provides access to broader research resources. It was also highlighted that participation in alliances offers important support to regional universities, enabling them to compete effectively with larger higher education institutions.

At the same time, several challenges were identified, including issues related to staff workload, differences in national funding mechanisms, attracting business partners to joint projects, and aspects of intercultural communication. The participants unanimously agreed that such meetings are of particular importance, as they foster experience sharing, help identify good practices, and promote joint efforts to achieve greater synergy and stronger national-level support.

At the conclusion of the meeting, representatives of Latvian university alliances agreed to continue cooperation, planning regular online discussions at the beginning of next year and an in-person meeting in the spring at Daugavpils University.

More information on the Daugavpils University OpenEU alliance: www.openeu.eu

Additional information:
Jeļena Tamane
OpenEU Project Manager
Daugavpils University
jelena.tamane@du.lv
t. +371 26114750