Trilogue meeting France, Germany, Poland between CDEFI/France Universités – HRK – KRASP
19/12/2025
The annual trilogue between CDEFI, France Universités, HRK (Germany) and KRASP (Poland) was held on 11 and 12 December in Paris at France Universités premises, against a European backdrop marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, increased global technological competition and a central debate on European competitiveness.
This meeting was attended by representatives of national conferences and several members of executive committees and boards of directors, in a form now extended to include the Board of the European University Association (EUA).
The topics discussed included:
This meeting was attended by representatives of national conferences and several members of executive committees and boards of directors, in a form now extended to include the Board of the European University Association (EUA).
The topics discussed included:
- geopolitical developments and their impact on universities;
- knowledge security;
- HRK Nexus project (ERC for institutions);
- the 10th Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10);
- European university alliances and the EUA;
- European Doctoral Day;
- the Choose Europe initiative;
- Weimar Triangle cooperation format.
CDEFI also wished to address the issue of higher education and research in Europe: competitiveness, sovereignty and a Europe based on skills.
Higher education and research have become key drivers of Europe's sovereignty, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Faced with increased global competition and massive investment in key technologies, Europe must strengthen its capacity for innovation to avoid dependence.
The Draghi report highlights a lag due to underinvestment, fragmented funding and the poor translation of scientific excellence into industrial leadership. Universities and engineering schools play a key role in knowledge production, innovation and skills development, despite demographic challenges. Coordinated European action is needed to build a genuine European area of knowledge and skills.
Higher education and research have become key drivers of Europe's sovereignty, competitiveness and strategic autonomy. Faced with increased global competition and massive investment in key technologies, Europe must strengthen its capacity for innovation to avoid dependence.
The Draghi report highlights a lag due to underinvestment, fragmented funding and the poor translation of scientific excellence into industrial leadership. Universities and engineering schools play a key role in knowledge production, innovation and skills development, despite demographic challenges. Coordinated European action is needed to build a genuine European area of knowledge and skills.
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The Conference of Deans of French Schools of Engineering (CDEFI) is a non-profit association of Deans of French state and private Schools of Engineering and universities of technology authorised by the CTI (a French accreditation agency) to deliver the French Engineering degree.
Created in 1976 by a decree issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, CDEFI is the local, national and international political and public voice of French Schools of Engineering and universities of technology.
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