SEA-EU Alliance becomes an Association: securing long-term future

SEA-EU is one of over sixty European Universities alliances seeking to collaborate on and promote joint initiatives in education, research and innovation across Europe. The SEA-EU Alliance brings together nine higher education institutions, including the University of Malta.

27 November 2025 marked a historic moment in the history of SEA-EU with the signing of a legal document, strengthening the alliance by establishing it as an Association. As a legal entity, the SEA-EU Association strengthens the long-term future and governance of the European University of the Seas. The establishment of the SEA-EU Association provides a governance framework under-pinning its long-term vision and development whilst strengthening cooperation across the alliance. The signing of the SEA-EU Association document took place during the Governing Board week held at Universita’ degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope in Naples.

The Parthenope University of Naples opened its doors for SEA-EU Governing Week on 25 November, bringing together Rectors, Vice-rectors, Directors, Deans and members of the various SEA-EU coordination offices from the nine partner universities. This event is a biannual gathering where the alliance’s leaders and stakeholders review progress, make strategic decisions, and coordinate future initiatives across all partner universities. The event culminated in a signing ceremony, a momentous occasion in the Alliance’s journey as it offered a solid framework for carrying out shared strategies and boosting cooperation across Europe. By building on a strong legal foundation, the SEA-EU Association is taking bold steps to create a connected European Coastal Campus and leave its mark on higher education in Europe.

The establishment of the SEA-EU Association is a significant milestone, formalizing each partner’s shared commitment to collaboration and innovation. The signing of such an agreement towards creating an Association as a legal entity, signals the SEA-EU universities’ commitment to securing long-term cooperation beyond EU funding.

With the launch of the Erasmus+ third-phase call, the Association will seek to further the mission and vision of a European campus and expand opportunities for students and staff.