University of Bucharest at UNICA Days 2026 in Brussels

From February 25 to 27, 2026, UNICA Days 2026 is taking place in Brussels. The event is organized by UNICA – the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe – in cooperation with the Delegation for Relations with Canada of the European Parliament, the International Association of Universities (IAU), and Science|Business.

Held under the theme “EU–Canada Cooperation: Shared Values, Shared Futures,” the event brings together university leaders, representatives of European and Canadian institutions, researchers, and policymakers to explore the future of transatlantic collaboration in higher education, research, and science diplomacy.

The University of Bucharest is represented at UNICA Days 2026 by Associate Professor Sorin Costreie, PhD,  president of Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe, CIVIS Alliance coordinator at the University of Bucharest, and faculty member of the Faculty of Philosophy, and by Professor Romiță Iucu, PhD , coordinator of the EduLAB Working Group within UNICA, President of the University of Bucharest’s Board of Trustees, and faculty member of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences.

Throughout the sessions, the University of Bucharest representatives delivered several key interventions, actively contributing to discussions and initiatives shaping the future of European higher education.

Associate Professor Sorin Costreie addressed the conference’s opening session, “EU–Canada Collaboration – Pitch and Connect.” On February 26, 2026, he also moderated several sessions held at the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels, focused on scientific cooperation and the role of universities in strengthening EU–Canada relations: “Scientific Diplomacy and Societal Leadership: The Role of Universities in EU–Canada Cooperation”, “EU–Canada Research Cooperation: Challenges and Opportunities”, “EU–Canada Cooperation for Climate Action, Urban Resilience and Global Sustainability”.

Professor Romiță Iucu contributed to the session “Global Education for Global Citizenship: Universities’ Mission in a Changing World,” which examined the role of universities in fostering global citizenship within a rapidly evolving international context.

Associate Professor Sorin Costreie is also participating in the session “Shared Values, Shared Futures: A Roadmap for EU–Canada Academic Cooperation,” dedicated to outlining strategic directions for strengthening transatlantic academic partnerships, developing research funding mechanisms, and enhancing the contribution of universities to science diplomacy and the management of shared global challenges.

The 2026 edition of UNICA Days represents a significant milestone in EU–Canada relations, following Canada’s official association with Pillar II of Horizon Europe in July 2024. This development allows Canadian institutions to participate in and access funding from the European Union’s primary research and innovation programme.

Against a geopolitical backdrop marked by instability, increasing pressure on international cooperation, and the spread of disinformation, universities are being called upon to reinforce their role as global actors committed to promoting democratic values, evidence-based dialogue, and science diplomacy.

The event agenda includes discussions on science diplomacy and university leadership, research and innovation partnerships, the green transition and global sustainability, as well as the broader mission of universities in advancing global citizenship.

UNICA – the Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe – brings together 56 universities from 41 European capitals, representing more than 1.5 million students. The University of Bucharest has been a member of UNICA since 1993.

Further details are available on the official UNICA Days 2026 website.