Students and staff explored how to take part in international learning, research cooperation and student-led initiatives at EUPeace Day, held at the University of Sarajevo Rectorate on 12 October 2026. Through presentations and an open panel discussion, the event brought the opportunities offered by EUPeace, the European University for Peace, Justice, and Inclusive Societies, closer to the university community.
Held during Erasmus Days week, the Sarajevo event reflected the shared purpose of EUPeace Day across partner universities: helping students and staff understand what the Alliance can offer them and how to get involved. The discussion connected international opportunities with everyday questions about studying, teaching, conducting research and working with colleagues across borders.
Professor Kemal Durić, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, opened the event by introducing the Alliance and its relevance to the University of Sarajevo. He outlined opportunities for international cooperation, education and research, and for stronger connections with partner universities.
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Learning and connecting across borders
The panel, moderated by Adnan Rahimić, focused on what EUPeace offers students and staff and how they can participate. Two rounds of discussion moved from an overview of available opportunities to practical questions about engagement.
Professor Dženana Husremović introduced the Virtual European Exchange Programme (VEEP) and the European Track, highlighting opportunities for students and teachers to connect through international learning activities, including virtual exchange. Professor Hatidža Jahić discussed mobility windows: dedicated periods within study programmes that can make it easier for students to study abroad, have their achievements recognised and continue their studies after returning.
Professor Mirza Buljubašić presented opportunities for students to shape the Alliance through joint initiatives, the EUPeace Student Association and activities supporting diversity and inclusion. These included EUPeace Student Challenges, which offers support of up to EUR 8,000 for collaborative student projects.
Research and cooperation with communities
Professor Ehlimana Spahić introduced the EUPeace Research Hubs and opportunities to connect researchers across partner universities. The discussion covered joint research, publications and cooperation between research teams, as well as research stays and doctoral mobility for early-career researchers.
Dr Gaj Trifković presented the Living Peace Lab approach, explaining how universities can work with local communities and civil society on questions of peace, justice and inclusion. These activities offer students, teachers and researchers opportunities to connect their academic work with societal challenges.
Participants were able to ask the panellists questions and exchange ideas about future activities and cooperation. The emphasis was on making the Alliance accessible to the wider university community and helping people identify opportunities relevant to their studies and work.
Building on conversations at the UNSA Study Expo
EUPeace Day followed the Alliance’s presentation to students at the 16th Scholarship Fair – UNSA Study Expo, held on 7 October 2026. Conversations at the fair focused on how students could participate in international exchanges, doctoral networks and research activities, as well as EUPeace Student Challenges. Students discussed opportunities to develop joint initiatives with peers at partner universities.
Together, the two events created opportunities to introduce EUPeace to students and staff and discuss practical ways to participate, from international learning and mobility to research cooperation and student-led activities.
Turning awareness into participation
A short survey completed during registration illustrated the value of continuing these conversations. Among 100 respondents, 63% had previously heard of EUPeace, while 13% reported knowing its activities well and having already participated.
The strongest interest was 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%). These findings point to a need for regular information and clear routes into Alliance activities.
EUPeace Day highlighted that the Alliance offers opportunities across the University of Sarajevo’s faculties, academies and institutes. Its mission connects education, research and community engagement with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
Students and staff interested in taking the next step can explore current opportunities and calls at www.unsa.ba/eupeace and www.eupeace.eu.
