Frederick University hosted the Rectors of nine European universities from May 13–15 for the annual meeting of the Governing Board of the EU-CONEXUS European Universities Alliance. The Rectors were welcomed in Limassol by Professor George Demosthenous. 

In a statement, Frederick University's Rector said:

“The EU-CONEXUS Governing Board Meeting, involving the nine universities of the European Alliance, concluded with outstanding success, alongside the joint meeting with the Student Council and the External Advisory Board. The progress of the Alliance to date was evaluated with an entirely positive outcome, and strategic decisions were made to further strengthen our cooperation. I am particularly pleased that all our partners were highly impressed by the flawless organization and exceptional hospitality, and they acknowledged Frederick University’s central and upgraded role and its contribution to the Alliance’s success thus far.”

During the sessions, the Governing Board mapped out the Alliance's next steps and discussed ways to further strengthen it. Key topics included expanding research activities in the area of sustainable development of urban coastal zones and promoting the opportunities EU-CONEXUS offers to its community. Specifically, discussions focused on:

• Expanding joint study programs (the consortium is one of the few under the EU’s European Universities initiative that has already launched a joint Master's program, with its first graduates in 2024)
• Offering joint doctoral degrees,
• Developing short, intensive educational programs (micro-credentials),
• Enhancing student and staff mobility,
• Promoting the idea of a joint European degree.

Additionally, the Rectors met with members of the EU-CONEXUS External Advisory Board, composed of experts from the nine member countries. This board evaluates progress reports, provides strategic guidance, and proposes developmental strategies for the consortium, with a focus on sustainable coastal management. Representing Cyprus and Frederick University on the External Advisory Board is Dr. Xenia Loizidou, Coastal Engineer and Advisor on Sustainability and Climate Change.

A significant moment of the gathering was the meeting between the Governing Board and the EU-CONEXUS Student Board - the first time such an interaction took place. The goal was to exchange ideas and proposals for the future of the large student body within EU-CONEXUS. Students from the nine universities discussed ways to improve the educational experience, community engagement activities, and opportunities for mobility. The Governing Board members made specific decisions to address the students’ requests.

Board members and the External Advisory Board also met with Mr. Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol, who shared his vision for the city and expressed how proud he is that the Municipality of Limassol participates as a social partner in the EU-CONEXUS European Universities Alliance.

The EU-CONEXUS consortium includes the following universities:

Frederick University (Cyprus)

La Rochelle Université (France)

Agricultural University of Athens (Greece)

Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (Romania)

Klaipeda University (Lithuania)

Universidad Católica de Valencia “San Vicente Mártir” (Spain)

University of Zadar (Croatia)

South East Technological University (Ireland)

University of Rostock (Germany)