Introduction

In 2020, the European Commission reaffirmed in a communication its ambition to establish a European Education Area by 2025. Universities play a key role in European integration, helping to remove borders in the pursuit of knowledge while shaping Europe’s future through technological and social innovation.

At the level of cross-border regions, university cooperation is particularly well-developed and serves as a model. It is a major lever for a stronger, more resilient, and inclusive Europe, contributing to the formation of a shared European identity. Cross-border university cooperation plays a crucial role in creating synergies between research, innovation, and education, combining excellence with territorial cohesion. It can also support the implementation of joint smart specialization strategies on both sides of the border.