About us
RUN-EU is an alliance of ten like-minded higher education institutions drawn from all regions of Europe. We were established in 2020 under the European Universities Initiative.
Together, we’re creating a regional development-oriented European University that embodies the values of sustainability, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness in all its work.
RUN-EU envisions a future where European higher education institutions collaborate seamlessly to deliver transformative experiences, advance research, and address global challenges.
We aim to lead the future of higher education, preparing students and researchers for a complex world. Our vision includes strengthening our European inter-university campus and enhancing institutional cooperation to drive sustainable progress.
We strive to create a multinational interregional alliance, the European Zone for Interregional Development (EZ-ID), to promote Smart Specialisation Strategies and European values.
RUN-EU mobilises education, research, inventiveness, and community service to enhance active citizenship, societal transformation, social inclusion, and multiculturalism.
Ultimately, we aspire to become a fully-fledged European University, fostering excellence, creativity, and inclusion across Europe.
Our mission
RUN-EU empowers students to shape the future by delivering advanced skills for societal transformation in EU regions. We drive sustainable economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress through a dynamic, interconnected European university network. Our mission is to equip students and stakeholders with the skills to tackle green, digital, and socio-economic challenges, fostering active citizenship and creating a multinational alliance for regional development.
Our regions
All our members share a regional strategic focus
of the Shannon
Ireland
and Oeste
Portugal
of Cávado and Ave
Portugal
of Applied Sciences
Finland
of Applied Sciences
The Netherlands
of Applied Sciences
Austria
of Burgos
Spain
of Applied Sciences
Belgium
of Liberec
Czechia
University of Galați
Romania
Our impact
The RUN-EU Impact Observatory (RIO) monitors and evaluates the impact of RUN-EU activities across the alliance. By collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative evidence, RIO assesses how RUN-EU contributes to key impact objectives, including skills development, intercultural and multilingual learning, professional growth, cross-institutional collaboration, and the strengthening of European values and identity. The two infographics below highlight key insights into RUN-EU’s impact on students and staff through December 2025.
RUN-EU impact on students
2,429
STUDENT MOBILITIES
until December 2025
85
Short Learning
Opportunities
until December 2025
Future and advanced knowledge and skills
96.3%
experienced improvement in future and advanced knowledge and skills
Multicultural appreciation
98%
appreciate other cultures more
Multilingual skills
95.2%
experienced improvement in their non-native language proficiency
Employability
91%
experienced improvement in their employability
European Values
96.7%
are more aware of values in Europe
Student life
97%
experienced improvement in their life as a student
Source: Learner Experience Survey; N= more than 700 students.
RUN-EU impact on staff
1,623
STaff MOBILITIES
until December 2025
Future and advanced knowledge and skills
98.1%
experienced improvement in future and advanced knowledge and skills
Multicultural appreciation
98.7%
appreciate other cultures more
Multilingual skills
90%
experienced improvement in their non-native language proficiency
European Values
99.4%
are more aware of values in Europe
Source: Mobility Experience Survey; N= 160 staff members; collected at 10 RUN-EU events.
Governance
A joint and transparent management approach for a truly unique interuniversity campus
Student Council
RUN-EU is a space for dialogue and cooperation, where your voice is heard and plays an active role in decision-making.
Associated partners
To positively impact society, we’ve partnered with 31 associates ranging from regional and national authorities, chambers of commerce, higher education institutions, research centres, international policy units, non-governmental organisations and businesses.
They compose our Associated Partner Advisory Board, which advises RUN-EU on societal engagement affairs and the most urgent and emerging challenges of our regions.
Get involved
RUN-EU has a wide range of events and activities for you to take part in even if you aren’t a student.
Find out what we have to offer and join our community.
