On Friday 21 February 2025, the European University of the Seas (SEA-EU) celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking half a decade of fostering international collaboration, academic excellence, and cultural exchange.

This milestone was celebrated simultaneously by all nine SEA-EU universities via video connection, during which representatives shared good wishes. The hybrid event was moderated by Marcela Iglesias, General Coordinator of SEA-EU, and featured remarks from key representatives of each university.

Speakers included Casimiro Mantell, Rector of the University of Cádiz; Piotr Stepnowski, Rector of the University of Gdańsk; Dragan Ljutić, Rector of the University of Split; Prof. Alfred J. Vella, Rector of the University of Malta; Martina Schmode, Head of the International Center at Kiel University; Patrícia Pinto, Pro-Rector for SEA-EU at the University of Algarve; Gabriele Sampagnaro, Rector’s Delegate for SEA-EU at the University of Naples Parthenope; and Ketil Eiane, Pro-Rector for Research and Development at NORD University. The virtual event was attended by 450 participants.

All nine universities organised local events to celebrate the anniversary. The University of Malta hosted a local celebration attended by the Pro-rectors and Administrative Directors, where UM Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella highlighted the remarkable achievements of the alliance and its role in supporting international cooperation.

As a strategic priority for the university, SEA-EU plays an important role in shaping its international engagement, reinforcing a commitment to unity, innovation, and cross-border cooperation. The event was filled with inspiring reflections, as guests shared not only a specially crafted SEA-EU anniversary cake but also their experiences.

The SEA-EU Birthday served as a powerful reminder of the alliance’s strength, commitment, and future ambitions, reinforcing the unity among its nine coastal universities and the vision of a truly European University.

Over the past five years, SEA-EU has consolidated its efforts in mobility, joint projects, and degree programs, demonstrating its growing impact on higher education and research in Europe.

In the afternoon, the University of Malta officially opened the SEA-EU office within the Department of Geosciences, Faculty of Science. This milestone also marked a significant transition for the SEA-EU office at the University of Malta, as it realigned its strategic focus under the leadership of Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, Prof. Valerie Sollars. Prof. Sollars inaugurated the new SEA-EU office, alongside Rector’s Delegate for SEA-EU Prof. Alan Deidun and the Geosciences Head of Department Prof. Sebastiano D’Amico. 

This new orientation strengthens the alliance’s long-term vision, ensuring a more structured and forward-thinking approach to international partnerships, research initiatives, and institutional growth.

Looking ahead, SEA-EU aims to continue expanding its impact by broadening its academic offerings, and enhancing mobility opportunities for students and researchers.

The alliance remains dedicated to shaping the future of European higher education by promoting inclusivity, innovation, and cross-border cooperation.

As SEA-EU celebrates this significant milestone, it reflects on its achievements with pride and looks forward to an even more dynamic and interconnected future.

Happy 5th anniversary, SEA-EU!