Professor Boštjan Markoli, Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Internationalization of the University of Ljubljana, and Ms. Katja Cerar, Head of the International Relations Department of the University of Ljubljana, visited the UNIRI Rectorate on Thursday, December 23, 2021, where they were welcomed by the UNIRI Rector, Prof. Snježana Prijić-Samaržija, Ph.D., along with Prof. Sanja Bojanić, Ph.D., executive director of the Center for Advanced Studies of Southeast Europe, and Prof. Petar Bojanić, Ph.D., Director of the Center.
Since the meeting focused on the future cooperation of three universities from three countries in the region – Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia – the meeting was also attended by Gazela Pudar Draško, Ph.D., from the Institute of Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade.
Vice-Rector Markoli and Rector Prijić-Samaržija agreed on the importance of networking and joining the European universities networks, which strengthens the position of universities from Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans in Europe. While our University is a member of the YUFE Alliance, the University of Ljubljana is a member of Eutopia, an alliance of 10 universities that aim to build a new academic model, reflecting an open and united Europe, respectful of the citizens and the environment.
Rector Prijić-Samaržija emphasized that cooperation with Ljubljana is of great importance, primarily because of its geographical proximity and common interests, but also because the University of Ljubljana is considered an “entry point” for the Western Balkans. The common view is that universities in the region need to make more use of European funds and apply for joint projects that contribute to the development of cooperation and internationalization.
Professor Sanja Bojanić briefly presented the work and activities of the Center for Advanced Studies of Southeast Europe (CAS-SEE), explaining that the Center is primarily envisioned as a hub for all the nearest universities, a place for conducting joint activities and projects, summer schools, and numerous workshops. Due to the similar interests and structure, it is possible to establish cooperation with the Inter-University Centre Dubrovnik.
As both Croatia and Slovenia had the honor to hold the EU Council Presidency – Croatia in the first half of 2020 and Slovenia in the second half of 2021 – the participants exchanged opinions and discussed the extent to which presidencies have met the goals set out in the program, with particular emphasis on academia and new opportunities for young people.
