More about the European University ACROSS

The ACROSS European Cross-Border University Alliance brings together ten small and medium-sized European universities from various mid-sized border cities. Among them are nine full partners from Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Białystok (Poland), Chemnitz (Germany), Craiova (Romania), Girona (Spain), Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Perpignan (France), Videm/Udine (Italy), and Ruse (Bulgaria), as well as one associated partner from Lviv (Ukraine).

These universities have joined forces to combine their knowledge and experience in order to foster the development of their cross-border regions. In doing so, they aim to create more opportunities for students, staff, and regional stakeholders—including businesses, local authorities, and the wider public.

In the field of education, we aim to jointly shape a shared and more inclusive European Higher Education Area. To this end, the ACROSS universities are developing an enriched and high-quality educational offering, which includes (or will include):

• joint study programmes,
• a portfolio of jointly accredited courses,
• additional (physical and virtual) international mobility formats,
• micro-credentials,
• lifelong learning programmes,
• the digital ACROSS eCampus,
• a European degree.

In the field of research and innovation, the ACROSS member universities are working to enhance collaboration between partners to advance research and innovation.

Joint investments in research, innovation, and staff training, shared use of research infrastructure, promotion of open science, and the establishment of:

• ACROSS Border Engagement Centres,
• inter-university Knowledge Creation Teams, and
• the ACROSS University–Business Gateway
  
  will contribute to the social and economic development of cross-border regions.

The ACROSS European University Alliance is committed to contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on:

➤ Education in cross-border contexts (SDG 4, 5, 10)
➤ Culture, language, identity, and heritage (SDG 11, 16)
➤ Economic development, public policy, and social progress (SDG 8, 9, 11)
➤ Management of natural resources in the face of global changes (environment, energy, climate; SDG 4, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15)

OUR MISSION
Our mission in higher education is to offer students an authentic European learning experience that addresses the unique challenges of border regions through cross-border cooperation. We strive to create lifelong learning environments that respond to diverse academic and professional needs while offering flexibility tailored to individuals’ life circumstances. By using digital solutions, we overcome geographical and language barriers and enrich our university community through diversity.

MORE ABOUT THE EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY ACROSS