On September 23–24, 2025, the first-ever joint visit of vice-rectors for science, research, and international relations from Slovak universities took place in Brussels. All university representatives are also members of the ProEurope network, which has been coordinated by the SLORD office for three years.
During the two-day program, representatives from 11 universities focused on strengthening European cooperation in the field of research and innovation. Joint discussions allowed them to reflect on current developments in science and research at the European level and relate them to developments in Slovakia.
An important part of the program was the exchange of information and networking with the aim of strengthening the involvement of universities in European Research Area initiatives, particularly Horizon Europe.
The program was opened by Róbert Gálik, Director General of CVTI SR, who emphasized the importance of connecting universities and their active involvement in European projects. Tomáš Teleky, Head of the Bratislava Region Representation to the EU in Brussels, which provided the venue for the meeting, also joined in the opening of the event.
The program also included a strategic look into the future of the EU, focusing on the next multiannual financial framework of the EU for 2028-2034, which was presented by Ambassador Monika Sopkovičová from the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU in Brussels. Andrej Kurucz, Second Secretary for Research, Innovation, Space and Nuclear Affairs, presented the draft of the future EU Framework Program for Research and Development (FP10).
Caroline Sundberg, who represents six Swedish universities in Brussels (Universities in South Sweden), shared her inspiring experiences of the benefits and challenges of their work in Brussels.
The evening discussion and networking with Czech vice-rectors created space for bilateral exchange and opened up many questions about mutual cooperation in the Central European region.
The delegation continued the next day with working meetings with representatives of the Bratislava and Trnava self-governing regions, as well as with representatives of the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (EC), who addressed the topics of Widening and the ERA Act. Massimiliano Esposito, DG RTD (EC), presented the preparation of the future FP10 framework program. The program also included a meeting with Slovak MEPs Lucia Yar, Michal Wiezik, and Ľubica Karvašová, and a discussion with representatives of the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture (EC) on the topic of European university alliances.
The visit concluded with celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Czech Liaison Office for Education and Research in Brussels (CZELO), which provided an exceptional opportunity for networking and discussion with European partners.
The event was attended by:
- Bratislava University of Economics and Business
- Catholic University in Ružomberok
- Pan-European University
- University of Prešov
- Slovak Technical University in Bratislava
- Technical University of Košice
- Technical University in Zvolen
- Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín
- Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica
- Univerzity of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
- University of Žilina
The two-day visit confirmed that the ProEurope network, which has been operating since 2022 and brings together 38 vice-rectors from 23 Slovak universities, is no longer just a pilot project but is becoming a stable platform for cooperation between the SLORD office and university management. Its members are systematically engaged in the agenda of participating in Horizon Europe and other European Union programs in the field of research, development, innovation, and educational activities.
Published 29.09.2025, slord
