The EMERGE European University Alliance, which aims to strengthen Europe's marginal areas through education, was officially launched in Limerick on 17 June. This moment marks the start of an intensive implementation of an ambitious cooperation project between nine partner institutions. ‘EMERGE is designed to challenge the idea that excellence only exists at the core,’ said Professor Shane Kilcommin, Chief Executive of the University of Limerick. EMERGE partner universities are committed to actively contributing to a European future based on European values. "We live in a time when cooperation is no longer optional. It is essential. And universities must lead by example," said Prof. Kilcommin. In Limerick, all partner universities from Cyprus, Greece, France, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Slovakia, Spain were represented by their top management. The UMB delegation was led by its rector doc. Ing. Vladimír Hiadlovský, PhD., who signed the EMERGE Charter of Common Values.

This document summarizes the core principles that guide the alliance in creating significant change within universities and in our communities: inclusion and equity, academic excellence and innovation, sustainability and accountability, collaboration and partnership, ethical and inclusive digital access, social impact as the first mission of universities, and commitment to continuous improvement.