EUPeace Day at the University of Sarajevo: New Opportunities for Students, Academic and Administrative Staff

Monday, October 12, 2026 - 14:23

On 12 October 2026, the University of Sarajevo hosted EUPeace Day at its Rectorate, an information event dedicated to presenting the activities and opportunities that the EUPeace European University Alliance offers to students, academic and administrative staff at the University of Sarajevo.

The event aimed to bring the Alliance’s activities closer to the University of Sarajevo’s academic community, encourage greater participation by faculties, academies and institutes, and present concrete opportunities for international education, mobility, research cooperation and the development of joint initiatives.

The event opened with an address by Professor Kemal Durić, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at the University of Sarajevo, who introduced the EUPeace Alliance, its strategic objectives and the significance of the University of Sarajevo’s membership in this European university initiative. Particular emphasis was placed on opportunities to strengthen international cooperation, improve the quality of education and research, and build closer connections between the academic community and European partners.

The central part of the event was a panel discussion entitled “What does EUPeace offer UNSA students and staff, and how can they get involved?”, moderated by Adnan Rahimić, MA, Lead of Work Package WP8 (Impact, Communication and Dissemination).

The panel consisted of two thematic rounds. The first presented the Alliance’s activities and opportunities, while the second focused on practical information about how University of Sarajevo students and staff can participate.

Professor Dženana Husremović, representing Work Package WP2, presented the opportunities offered by VEEP (Virtual European Exchange Programme) and the European Track. Her presentation focused on developing joint international learning activities, connecting teachers and students at partner universities, and internationalising teaching, including through virtual forms of international education.

Professor Hatidža Jahić discussed the concept of a mobility window, which involves integrating a period of international mobility into study programmes. Particular attention was given to adapting curricula to make it easier for students to participate in international exchanges, have their learning achievements recognised and continue their studies upon returning.

Opportunities for active student participation were presented by Professor Mirza Buljubašić, Lead of Work Package WP5. The focus was on student initiatives, international connections and joint projects, including EUPeace Student Challenges, which provides financial support of up to EUR 8,000 for collaborative student projects. Opportunities to participate in the EUPeace Student Association were also presented, alongside initiatives promoting diversity, inclusion and active student involvement in shaping the Alliance.

Professor Ehlimana Spahić, Lead of Work Package WP6, introduced the EUPeace Research Hubs, research networks connecting scholars and researchers at partner universities. The discussion explored opportunities to develop joint research projects and international publications, connect research teams, and support early-career researchers and doctoral candidates through research stays and doctoral mobility.

Dr Gaj Trifković, Lead of Work Package WP7, presented the Living Peace Lab concept. His presentation explored opportunities to connect universities with local communities and civil society organisations through joint activities addressing peace, justice, inclusion and societal challenges, with the active participation of students, teachers and researchers.

The academic community’s interest in EUPeace opportunities

A short survey conducted during event registration explored participants’ awareness of European university alliances, their familiarity with EUPeace activities and the areas that interested them most.

Of all respondents, 63% stated that they had previously heard of the EUPeace Alliance, while only 13% reported knowing its activities well and having already participated in them.

The strongest interest was expressed in professional development and lifelong learning (76%), student and staff mobility (71%), and international courses and learning programmes, including VEEP and the European Track (63%).

The survey results highlighted the need for continuous communication and promotion of available opportunities, as well as clearer mechanisms for involving the wider academic community in the Alliance’s activities.

The event concluded with an open discussion, giving participants the opportunity to ask the panellists questions and exchange ideas about future activities and cooperation.

From awareness to active participation

One of the key messages of EUPeace Day was that membership in a European university alliance offers opportunities to all faculties, academies and institutes of the University of Sarajevo, extending beyond the teams directly involved in its implementation.

Through learning programmes, mobility, research networks, student initiatives and community engagement, EUPeace creates opportunities for new forms of international cooperation and greater participation by students, academic and administrative staff.

EUPeace Day continued the University of Sarajevo’s efforts to promote the Alliance, following its presentation to students at the 16th Scholarship Fair – UNSA Study Expo, held on 7 October 2026.

Further information about activities, open calls and opportunities to get involved is available at: