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How can universities better prepare learners for the labour market while promoting European values such as democracy, human rights and freedom of expression, as well as identifying strategies that universities and alliances can use to strengthen the resilience of democratic societies in times of misinformation and conflict? These and other questions were addressed by representatives of the EUPeace alliance at a meeting in March at Pilsen House in Brussels. The event was entitled Strengthening European Values - Universities and University Alliances at The Core and was under the auspices of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (UWB) and the Pilsen Region.

Together with the rector of UWB Miroslav Lávička, the Head of the International Office of UWB Magdalena Rousová also went to Brussels. Zbyněk Prokop, coordinator of international cooperation in Brussels, and Petr Osvald, advisor to the Governor for European Affairs, were present on behalf of the Pilsen Region. The meeting was a follow-up to the February summit, when the participants discussed issues such as the competitiveness of Europe.

"The University of West Bohemia in Pilsen is a proud member of the EUPeace Alliance and is fully aware of its obligation to contribute to the alliance mission. We believe that academic collaboration among our institutions not only strengthens intercultural understanding but also brings innovative solutions to contemporary societal challenges. I deeply appreciate that, despite our cultural and national diversity, we stand united and act as one for the benefit of the alliance. This is the best way to fulfil the true meaning of the Latin expressions "in unum vertere" – to unite – and "universitas" – a community," said the rector of UWB Miroslav Lávička.

Educators, researchers, learners and their representatives, policy makers, including ministries responsible for higher education, and a wide range of higher education stakeholders joined the discussion, along with university leaders and university alliances involved in the strategic development of higher education institutions. In particular, representatives of higher education unions from the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the European University Association and the President of the European Students' Union.

Academic freedom became the main topic of discussion. Using several concrete examples, not only from Europe, the participants showed that, apart from academics, students are often the first to feel the restrictions on academic freedom. They would therefore welcome structural support programmes aimed at them. In addition, there was a call to move from academic debate to concrete practical action. One way in which EUPeace is contributing to this is through the European Track, an initiative that aims to provide all students - regardless of their discipline, country or university - with opportunities for appropriate international, intercultural and interdisciplinary cooperation. It also provides them with a basic knowledge of the sustainable development of a harmonious, fair and inclusive society, oriented towards European standards and values.

"At a time of rising populism and challenges to democratic institutions, the role of higher education is crucial. Universities meet these challenges through innovative teaching and related research, which both prepares students for future employment and contributes to the education of informed citizens. The alliance of nine universities from seven countries exemplifies this mission - acting as a facilitator of dialogue, bridging societal divides and strengthening social cohesion. This is in line with the objectives of the EUPeace initiative, which seeks to reduce social polarisation and strengthen democracy," said Alexandre Wipf, Secretary of EUPeace.