EuroTeQ Presidential Strategy Forum in Tallinn: Impulses for the future of European education
EuroTeQ, TUM Global, News |
Hosted by Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), the forum was held on January 15–16, 2026, at the historic Glehn’s Castle. The high-level meeting brought together presidents and rectors, vice presidents for academic affairs, project managers, and work package leads from across the EuroTeQ Engineering University Alliance.
In his opening remarks, TUM President Thomas F. Hofmann emphasized the sustainable importance of the alliance in an increasingly complex global environment:
“EuroTeQ is not a short-term project, but a long-term investment. Especially in the current global context, it is more important than ever to unite our efforts in education, research, and innovation to equip students with European values, experience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Now, we must focus even more clearly on impact – at both European and regional level.”
Guiding principles for the EuroTeQ partners
Participants agreed that Europe’s universities are facing profound transformation. Three shared convictions emerged as guiding principles for the future work of the EuroTeQ Engineering University:
- European unity is essential – particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty, cross-border collaboration is one of Europe’s greatest strengths.
- Education goes beyond traditional students – lifelong learning, upskilling, and reskilling are becoming core missions of universities.
- Closer integration of education, research, and innovation within EuroTeQ and the EuroTech Universities Alliance is crucial to achieving sustainable impact.
A key focus of the forum was the further development of engineering education beyond traditional degree structures. Participants highlighted the importance of flexible learning paths, joint course offerings, and innovative teaching formats that enable students to shape individual learning journeys across multiple institutions. Particular attention was given to the alliance’s joint course catalogue – the first of its kind among European university alliances. The EuroTeQ Course Catalogue has already enabled thousands of virtual mobilities and contributes to the implementation of the European Union’s “Union of Skills” agenda.
Universities are increasingly assuming responsibility for lifelong learning, continuing education, and professional reorientation. EuroTeQ partners emphasized the need to further expand universities’ role in professional education, for example through micro-credentials, executive programs, and flexible learning formats alongside traditional degree programs. To enhance societal impact, universities are strengthening cooperation with industry and integrating local innovation ecosystems into teaching.
Shaping the next decade of European engineering education
The forum provided an opportunity to set strategic directions for the alliance beyond the current funding period. Participants agreed on three key priorities:
- Scaling up successful educational formats
- Creating incentives for stronger academic staff engagement
- Positioning EuroTeQ as a role model within the European Universities Initiative
The meeting in Tallinn concluded with a clear commitment to deepening collaboration, strengthening international learning communities, and actively shaping the future of European engineering education. With new ideas, strengthened connections, and renewed confidence, participants will continue their work within the alliance—convinced that European universities working together can equip students and professionals for a rapidly changing world and make a lasting difference.
