Fabrizio Bitetto, President of garagErasmus, and Zaida Díaz Cabiale, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation at the University of Malaga, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude for their participation, despite the challenges posed by the previous day’s weather.

The University of Malaga’s International Relations Office kicked off the event by sharing insights into their international mobility activities and best practices, offering valuable perspectives for the other participants. This was followed by a presentation from garagErasmus, detailing its role in supporting the internationalisation of higher education, discussing both ongoing and upcoming projects, and encouraging institutions to take an active part in the network.

A highlight of the summit was a discussion with Vito Borrelli, Team Leader for Higher Education/Erasmus+ at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. Moderated by Michela Cobelli from the University of Pavia, the session focused on the future of Erasmus+ and EU programmes beyond 2027, with an emphasis on the challenges related to European Alliances. This interactive discussion gave participants an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and address issues affecting the higher education sector.

The first day concluded with the final round of the Laissez-Passer of the Erasmus Generation 2024. Attendees were introduced to the five best projects and voted for Help for Her, a programme designed to support scientific education in two secondary schools in Benin, as the winner of the €3,000 prize.

The following day’s discussions centred around the role of Erasmus alumni as catalysts for social change, with a particular focus on how higher education institutions can foster civic participation among both incoming and outgoing Erasmus students. Participants also explored how garagErasmus can assist in mapping and addressing the challenges faced by European Alliances.

Later, a panel discussion featured Francesco Cappè, Board Member and former President of garagErasmus, Julio Andrade, Executive Vice President of CIFAL UNTAR Malaga, and Liu Fengxin, Lecturer at the China-National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. The session highlighted the value of international mobility for the personal and professional development of students, as well as its role in broader international cooperation and conflict resolution.

To conclude the summit, garagErasmus presented in detail the ERASMAG project, underscoring the important role of Higher Education Institutions in bringing this and other initiatives of the network to life.