Professor Alessandra Petrucci, Rector of the University of Florence, accompanied by Professor Giorgia Giovannetti, Pro-Rector for International Relations, conducted a two-day mission to Brussels on 26th and 27th February 2025. The visit aimed to engage with European leaders on pivotal higher education initiatives and to highlight the contributions of the Florentine higher education system at the European level.
On 26 February, Rector Petrucci met with Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. The discussion centered on the strategic role of university alliances in the upcoming Union of Skills initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to drive transformation and reduce fragmentation in the European higher education sector.
On 27 February, Rector Petrucci engaged with key representatives at the Permanent Representation of Italy to the European Union, including H.E. Ambassador Marco Canaparo, Deputy Permanent Representative and Ambassador to COREPER I, and Maria Palladino, Education Attaché. The discussions focused on the European Degree Initiative, with recommendations scheduled for a Council vote on 12 May.
In both meetings, Rector Petrucci advocated for the swift advancement of the European Degree on a voluntary basis, respecting the subsidiarity principle and the competencies of EU Member States. She highlighted that the European Degree builds upon successful initiatives such as Erasmus Mundus, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the European Universities Initiative. By engaging diverse stakeholders, the European Degree aims to enhance the global attractiveness of European higher education, increase the visibility and reputation of participating universities, and equip students with future-proof skills to navigate an evolving labour market.
Addressing structural considerations, Rector Petrucci called for flexible and enabling frameworks that guarantee academic freedom. She underscored the importance of accommodating varying national education systems and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to facilitate the joint delivery of degrees. Additionally, she emphasised the need for a streamlined, cross-national accreditation process to support the implementation of the European Degree.
Expressing strong support for the European Degree, Rector Petrucci noted Italy’s proactive stance, having integrated the initiative into its internationalisation strategy for higher education. She also highlighted the unique contribution of the European University for Well-Being (EUniWell) alliance, of which the University of Florence is a proud founding member. EUniWell focuses on promoting well-being through interdisciplinary research and education, aligning with the broader goals of the Union of Skills and European competitiveness.
Finally, Rector Petrucci acknowledged the importance of the Association of Tuscan Universities, TOUR4EU, of which the University of Florence is a notable member, highlighting its dedication to enhancing European academic partnerships and contributing to the shaping of policies that bolster internationalisation and research excellence.
