Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH), EMERGE’s Greek partner institution, took part in the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), running from 5 to 13 September 2026 under this year’s education-focused “Akademia” theme. DUTH’s pavilion (Pavilion 17, Stand 34) brought together academic staff and student groups to present research and initiatives spanning internationalisation, agri-food, and research and innovation, including the work of the university’s Research Centre of Excellence in Agri-food, based in Xanthi.
The pavilion was officially inaugurated on 6 September by Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, who was welcomed by DUTH Rector Prof. Maria Michalopoulou. Earlier in the fair, the pavilion also received a visit from Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
A Dialogue on the Future of European Higher Education
That same day, DUTH used its presence at the TIF to convene a wider European conversation. Together with Europe Direct East Macedonia and Thrace and the Representation of the European Commission in Greece, DUTH co-organised a panel discussion, “The Future of Higher Education in Europe: European University Alliances as Drivers of Innovation, Internationalisation, and Regional Development,” hosted at the European Commission Representation’s pavilion (Pavilion 10).
Moderated by Panagiotis Bardakis, EMERGE’s Community Engagement Officer, the panel brought rectors from four European University Alliances to the same table: Prof. Maria Michalopoulou (DUTH, representing EMERGE), Prof. Konstantinos-Alketas Ouggrinis (Technical University of Crete, EURECA-PRO), Prof. Christos Bouras (University of Patras, EUNICoast), and Prof. Charalambos Billinis (University of Thessaly, INVEST), alongside Evangelia Georgitsi, Head of the Communication Team at the European Commission Representation in Greece.
The discussion centred on how European University Alliances can move beyond standard institutional partnerships to build a more open, connected and future-oriented higher education landscape, with new opportunities for students, academics and researchers across Europe.
The event drew university leadership, academic staff, students and members of the public.
Working Across Alliances
EMERGE’s funding proposal identifies inter-Alliance collaboration and complementarity with other European University Alliances as two components of its European Added Value, alongside its contribution to regional development.
The Thessaloniki panel put this commitment into practice. Rather than focusing on a single alliance, the discussion brought together representatives of EMERGE, EURECA-PRO, EUNICoast and INVEST around shared themes including internationalisation, innovation and regional development.
For EMERGE, the event offered a concrete example of the wider exchange and cooperation between European University Alliances that forms part of its contribution to the European higher education community. The participation of an EMERGE representative as moderator also created a direct role for the Alliance in facilitating this cross-Alliance dialogue.
The future of European higher education is built through collaboration, openness, and the people who bring our universities together. Through EMERGE, we are creating opportunities for our students to connect beyond borders, exchange ideas and experiences, and become active contributors to a stronger European community.
Prof. Maria Michalopoulou, Rector, Democritus University of Thrace
DUTH and EMERGE thank the co-organisers, panellists and everyone who attended for contributing to an open discussion on the future of the European Higher Education Area.
