On 26 November 2024, the SEA-EU Governing Week commences, marking an important milestone for the University of Malta and its alliance within the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU).
SEA-EU was born from an ambitious vision proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron: to create "European Universities"—networks of institutions collaborating across borders to pool resources and create larger, more robust educational communities. The University of Malta quickly embraced this idea and joined the SEA-EU alliance, positioning itself within a unique network of universities united by a shared connection to the sea.
UM has maintained its distinct Maltese campus while contributing to the broader identity of the SEA-EU. "We bonded over our vicinity and fascination with the sea. It presented a sense of boundlessness and futurity that captured the essence of the alliances and our coming together," said Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Rector of UM.
Prof. Vella also highlighted the connectivity fostered by the alliance: “So, while in Malta, every road leads to the sea, thanks to the SEA-EU, its ports now also have a route to these eight countries.” The alliance has demonstrated an admirable balance between collaboration and respect for each member’s unique identity.
The SEA-EU employs a rotating governance model, with leadership changing every six months. This system enables members to address key topics collaboratively and fosters a spirit of inclusivity and shared decision-making.
Membership in such an alliance is both a privilege and an opportunity. Europe is home to a vast network of higher education institutions, and initiatives like SEA-EU underscore the importance of cross-border cooperation. The benefits of the alliance are already visible; for example, two Joint Master’s programs are set to launch for the 2025/26 academic year, showcasing the tangible outcomes of this collaboration.
SEA-EU continues to build bridges across Europe, combining resources, fostering innovation, and strengthening its collective impact—all while staying rooted in the unique identities of its member universities.
Photo by Kristov Scicluna
Article titled 'UM at the Helm of SEA-EU' appeared on THINK magazine, which you can browse through online (pgs 34-37).
