Franco-Dutch cooperation in higher education and research

On 5th and 6th December, a delegation of presidents from French universities and engineering schools visited Dutch universities, research organisations and government bodies. Udice members were well represented with Université Grenoble-Alpes, Paris Sciences et Lettres and Université de Strasbourg. 

The mission, organised to foster closer academic and research ties between France and the Netherlands, featured a bilateral dialogue, chaired and hosted by the French Ambassador at the Residence de France in The Hague. The discussions brought together prominent representatives from both countries higher education and research sectors, with a central focus ont four key objectives aimed at strengthening Franco-Dutch cooperation :

1. Strengthening European autonomy in key Innovation Areas

2. Promote high-quality education and enhancing academic mobility

3. Encouraging investments in European Research and Development

4. Safeguarding academic values and upholding academic freedom

At the end of the meeting, the participants decided to launch Franco-Dutch Presidents of Universities Circle to further strengthen Franco-Dutch university ties. They also want to develop strong collaborations between French and Dutch universities in order to make FP10 a shared commitment to academic excellence and innovation. In 2025, Udice plans to organise reciprocal visits to France by presidents of Dutch universities.