UNICA Days 2026: A Catalyst for Transatlantic Ties

Just weeks ago, from February 25 to 27, 2026, the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA) hosted its flagship event, UNICA Days 2026, in Brussels. Titled “EU–Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures,” the conference brought together university leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders from both sides of the Atlantic. Organized in partnership with the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Canada, the International Association of Universities (IAU), and Science|Business, it issued a resounding call for intensified transatlantic higher education (HE) cooperation. This gathering underscored universities' pivotal role in fostering democratic resilience, innovation, and global citizenship amid geopolitical turbulence.

Participants emphasized that shared democratic values—pluralism, multilateralism, and commitment to evidence-based dialogue—form the bedrock of EU-Canada academic relations. UNICA President Sorin Costreie and IAU Vice-President Patrick Deane highlighted how such partnerships transcend diplomacy, positioning universities as engines of civic engagement and sustainable development.

The event's pitch-and-connect sessions facilitated direct networking, enabling concrete institutional initiatives. Discussions spanned scientific diplomacy, urban resilience, artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, and the evolution of university missions, all framed within the context of building trust-based, inclusive collaborations.

Understanding UNICA's Role in European Higher Education

Established in 1990, UNICA represents 52 universities across 38 European capital cities, serving over 2 million students and 180,000 staff. As a dynamic alliance, it champions international mobility, joint research, and policy advocacy, with 36 member institutions embedded in 23 European University Alliances. UNICA's focus on capital cities amplifies its influence in urban-centric innovation and societal impact.

In leading the charge for stronger EU-Canada ties, UNICA leverages its network to bridge geographical and cultural divides. This aligns with broader European HE strategies like the European Education Area, emphasizing cross-border partnerships to enhance competitiveness and address global challenges such as climate change and disinformation.

For European academics and administrators eyeing international opportunities, platforms like UNICA open doors to collaborative projects. Explore faculty positions that support such transnational work or delve into crafting an academic CV tailored for joint programs.

Historical Context of EU-Canada Academic Relations

EU-Canada HE cooperation dates back decades, evolving through agreements like the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and research pacts. A milestone came in July 2024 when Canada associated with Horizon Europe Pillar II, the EU's €95.5 billion research flagship (2021-2027), allowing Canadian entities to lead and join projects on par with EU partners.

Prior to Horizon Europe, under Horizon 2020, Canadian institutions participated in 159 Pillar II projects. Early Horizon Europe data shows 46 projects involving Canada, securing €2.4 million in EU funding, with strong French ties (70 institutions) and Quebec universities leading (10 participants). Examples include the University of Sherbrooke and University of British Columbia (UBC), each in three projects, spanning health, climate, and tech.

Student mobility, though challenged by post-pandemic shifts and Canada's 2025 caps, remains vital. While exact EU-Canada figures are modest compared to Asia flows, Erasmus+ partnerships and bilateral exchanges foster thousands of exchanges annually, building long-term networks.

Key Themes from UNICA Days: Scientific Diplomacy and Shared Values

Session 1 on scientific diplomacy distinguished “diplomacy for science” from “science diplomacy,” positioning universities as soft power actors. Speakers like François Gelineau (Université Laval) and Aurélie Jeantet (Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3) stressed academia's role in countering authoritarianism via critical thinking and evidence dialogue.

• Universities cultivate democratic citizenship through global-minded curricula.
• Trust as the “currency” of relations, rooted in quality and inclusion.
• Incorporate Global South perspectives for equitable partnerships.

Patrick Deane noted: “Academic values are inseparable from democratic values... international academic partnerships can counter that threat.”

Urban Universities Driving Resilience and Sustainability

Capital universities, UNICA's core, were urged to spearhead urban transformation. Sessions highlighted proactive roles in crisis response and future city design, communicating public funding's societal returns. Jonas Scholze (European Urban Initiative) exemplified how collaborations enhance resilience against shocks like climate events.

AI discussions pivoted to public good metrics over commercial scale, with calls for policy-academia alignment. For European HE professionals, this translates to opportunities in interdisciplinary roles; check research positions fostering such innovation.

Horizon Europe: The Backbone of Joint Research

Canada's Horizon association unlocks collaborative clusters in health, digital, and green transitions. Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff Exchanges now co-fund EU-Canada projects, boosting researcher mobility.

Case study: UBC's involvement in multiple consortia demonstrates seamless integration, yielding joint publications and IP. French-Quebec links, like Université de Laval with Sorbonne partners, illustrate mature models expandable via UNICA networks.

Source: Science|Business analysis. Horizon Europe Canada page.

Challenges in Transatlantic Mobility and Funding

Geopolitical volatility, visa hurdles, and funding instability pose barriers. Canada's 2025 study permit caps reduced arrivals by ~60%, indirectly affecting reciprocal flows. UNICA advocates stable mechanisms outlasting political cycles.

Solutions include diversified funding (e.g., MSCA co-funding) and digital tools for virtual exchanges. Stakeholder views: IAU urges epistemic humility, challenging assumptions for open-minded curricula.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Real-World Impacts

European rectors like Josep M. Garrell (EUA) praised UNICA's platform for high-level dialogue. Canadian voices, including from Queen's University, see it reinforcing global academia against threats.

Impacts: Enhanced employability via work-integrated learning; urban case: Université libre de Bruxelles's civic projects. For careers, lecturer roles in partner unis abound.

Future Outlook: A Roadmap for Deeper Integration

UNICA Days concluded with a roadmap: Prioritize Horizon calls, integrate AI ethics, expand inclusivity. Upcoming: Euro-Latin American seminar (June 2026), building multi-polar networks.

Projections: Increased joint PhDs, dual degrees. European unis gain from Canada's innovation ecosystem; professionals, pursue postdoc opportunities.

Actionable Insights for Universities and Professionals

• Monitor Horizon 2025 work programs for calls.
• Leverage UNICA for matchmaking.
• Develop transversal skills curricula.
• Engage citizens on funding benefits.

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Photo by Yu Chen Lin 育辰 on Unsplash