A representative of Slovenian universities joins the Board of the European University Association for the first time
Bor Slana/STA
Date of publication:
In a historic milestone for Slovenian higher education, Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič, Rector of the University of Ljubljana, was elected to the Board of the European University Association (EUA) – the first representative from Slovenia to hold this prestigious role. The election of the new members for a four-year term took place at the EUA General Assembly on 10 April at the University of Latvia in Riga.
The EUA is Europe's leading university association, representing over 900 universities from 49 countries. It plays a critical role in shaping European policy on higher education, research, and innovation.
“This election is both an immense honour and a profound responsibility, reflecting the international standing of the University of Ljubljana in the European academic space. As one of eight members of the EUA Board, I will represent the interests of all Slovenian universities and the Republic of Slovenia in key policy discussions in the field of higher education and research at the European level. At the same time, I will make sure that the voice of European universities is heard at a time of momentous global change, when we are witnessing a rise in populism, a growing distrust of truth and science, a decline in respect for democracy and human rights, a dramatic exacerbation of the climate crisis and significant demographic changes,” said Prof. Dr Majdič upon being elected.
Universities should play a key role in addressing these issues, he said in his address to the General Assembly. “Throughout history, universities have been at the forefront of social progress. Our primary mission is to educate young people and generate new knowledge. But we also need to act as beacons for society. If we are to further human progress, we need to restore the influential role of the universities of the Renaissance and Enlightenment.”
“The election of new Board members is always a significant moment for our Association. It marks a change in the leadership of Europe's largest university association. I welcome my new colleagues and wish them every success in their new roles. I am confident that their experience and diverse profiles will enrich our association of universities," said the EUA President Prof. Josep M. Garrell at the General Assembly, thanking the outgoing members of the EUA Board for their dedicated leadership of the Association for the benefit of society as a whole.
Prof. Dr Majdič’s candidacy was proposed by three Rectors’ Conferences and supported by numerous international rectors. “The membership of the Rector Prof. Dr Gregor Majdič in the EUA Board is a great success for the Rectors' Conference of the Republic of Slovenia (RCRS), as it will significantly strengthen the visibility of Slovenian universities in the European university space,” commented Prof. Dr Klavdija Kutnar, Rector of the University of Primorska, who presides over the RCRS.