The innovative role of European Universities Alliances in the European Higher Education Area

The paper explores the evolution and impact of key initiatives within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), from the Erasmus programme and the Bologna Process to the European Universities Initiative (EUI). It examines how these initiatives have shaped transnational collaboration, focusing on their roles in harmonising HE systems and introducing innovations like micro-credentials and the European Degree. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the adaptive solutions developed by the alliances are discussed, highlighting the shift to virtual mobility and blended learning models. The paper analyses how alliances contribute to the relevance and sustainability of HE in Europe, emphasizing their potential to enhance graduate mobility, improve employability, and foster innovation.