Europe Day, celebrated annually on the 9th of May, serves as a powerful reminder of the foundational values of the European Union: peace, solidarity, democracy, cultural diversity, and transnational cooperation.

As Vice Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance of the University of Thessaly, I would like to emphasize the strategic importance of the European dimension in higher education, research, and the development of sustainable and forward-looking institutional policies.

The University of Thessaly actively embraces this European vision by participating in a wide range of EU-funded programmes and initiatives, reinforcing academic mobility, fostering cross-border collaboration, and advancing its digital and innovation agenda.

Through active engagement in frameworks such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and other European cooperation schemes, the University contributes meaningfully to the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• SDG 4 – Quality Education, by promoting inclusive and innovative learning environments
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, through entrepreneurship and skill development
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by supporting applied research and technology transfer
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, via transnational academic and institutional networks

Europe Day invites us not only to reflect on our shared past, but to reaffirm our collective commitment to a united, resilient, and knowledge-driven Europe. The University of Thessaly remains dedicated to fostering European integration through education, research, innovation, and open governance.

Happy Europe Day!