From September 30th to October 2nd, over 100 representatives from the nine partner universities of E³UDRES² convened in Fulda for the alliance’s General Assembly. This biannual event marked an important milestone, taking place one year into the current funding period. The focus was on evaluating progress, discussing future milestones, and fostering collaboration across key areas such as teaching, research, and knowledge transfer.
For two days, participants engaged in panel discussions, working groups, and presentations, exchanging insights on joint initiatives that strengthen regional innovation systems and drive the digital, ecological, and economic transformation of small and medium-sized towns and rural regions. The General Assembly provided an opportunity for E³UDRES² members to connect and share best practices, further solidifying the alliance’s shared commitment to advancing European smart and sustainable regions.
During the opening address, E³UDRES² coordinator and CEO of St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, Prof. Hannes Raffaseder, celebrated the alliance's achievements to date and emphasized the crucial role of European Universities in shaping the future of higher education, research, and innovation. Lord Mayor of Fulda, Dr. Heiko Wingenfeld, also highlighted the significance of the alliance for the city and region, acknowledging the potential for European collaboration to foster regional development and generate new synergies between research, education, and local businesses.
Celebrating connections across Europe
A highlight of the event was the symbolic planting of a cherry tree on Fulda University’s campus, a tradition that began last year in St. Pölten, Austria, to mark the alliance’s anniversary. The tree, set to bloom in E³UDRES²'s signature pink, symbolizes the growing cooperation between partner universities and their shared vision for the future of European higher education.
Representatives from industry, region and associated partner universities from Ukraine, Albania, and Kosovo also attended, demonstrating the alliance's broad network of collaboration.
As E³UDRES² continues its journey, the alliance remains focused on the challenges of smart and sustainable regional development - fostering innovation and collaboration to support small and medium-sized cities in their digital, ecological, and economic transformations. Through mutual support and EU funding, E³UDRES² empowers its partners to drive positive change in their regions, creating opportunities for students, researchers, businesses, and local communities to benefit from this shared European vision.
All pictures: (c) Nicole Dietzel, Dinias
