Europe and International 

The Europe and International Commission was created in 2013.
 
  • Chaired by  Jean-Baptiste Avrillier, dean of Centrale Nantes
  • Vice-chaired by Céline Fasulo, dean of IMT Nord Europe
  • Vice-chaired by  Jean-Marc Ogier, dean of CESI
This Commission bases its deliberations on the internationalisation of Engineering Schools, with the aim of enhancing their appeal on the international stage and strengthening their position within the European context. Since 2022, it has been represented by a permanent staff member at its representative office at the Maison Irène et Frédéric Joliot-Curie (MIFJC) in Brussels.
 
 

The role of the Europe and International Commission

The Commission members base their deliberations on two key points: the European positioning of engineering degrees and the involvement of Engineering Schools in European universities.

The Commission supports the internationalisation of French Engineering Schools and helps to enhance the appeal of their programmes, both in Europe and abroad. It also monitors European programmes and negotiations relating to the implementation of the next framework programme, with a view to providing the schools with analyses and opportunities for discussion on these subjects.

 

The priority topics of the Europe and International Commission

The Commission is focused on the following topics:
 
  • work relating to mutual recognition agreements for qualifications;
  • European collaboration between engineering education institutions;
  • the international visibility of schools within universities;
  • the development of international partnerships with a focus on specific countries or regions;
  • strategies to increase student exchange flows and improve the quality of support for international students and professionals.
 For 2025–2027, the main topics will be:

  • incoming and outgoing mobility for students and academic staff;
  • the international visibility and appeal of French Engineering Schools;
  • academic partnerships and the European degree;
  • European programmes (strategic positioning for 2028–2034).

The “FITEC” mobility programmes and the other international programmes

The CDEFI is the financial manager of the “FITEC” mobility programmes. The Conference therefore manages the mobility grants offered to French students through the BRAFITEC, ARFITEC programmes. It also awards grants for a mentoring programme involving engineering students from the Dominican Republic.
 
Since 2023, CDEFI has been running the NADIYA programme in partnership with the French Embassy in Ukraine, aimed at strengthening Franco-Ukrainian scientific collaboration through the mobility of researchers to leading universities and laboratories in France for medium-term stays (up to six months).

The positions of CDEFI

CDEFI is strongly committed to European debates on higher education, research and innovation. It actively contributes to European discussions and consultations, particularly on key programmes such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe and their future development.

Through position papers, written contributions and work carried out with its partners, CDEFI represents the views of French Engineering Schools to the European institutions.

CDEFI’s main positions are available below: