Bold ideas, Nordic air: where the EUF network community turns ideas into action
This June, the EUF network community is heading north – and not just for the fjords.
From 10th-12th June 2026, the 9th edition of the Open Space will take place at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) in Bergen.
Designed by and for the EUF community, the Open Space is where early ideas are strengthened, partnerships are formed, and European priorities are translated into institutional action. Only by working together – and by transitioning from discussion to decision – can we shape meaningful change in Higher Education.
Open Space is not a conference you simply attend. It is a space to co-create.
From funding to forward-thinking
Over three days, participants will move from understanding Erasmus+ calls to strategically positioning their institutions within Europe’s evolving priorities.
What to expect more concretely?
- Demystifying EU funding opportunities and aligning them with institutional goals.
- Learning directly from experts in education policy, evaluation, and internationalisation.
- Co-creating new project ideas and testing them with peers.
- Exploring sustainability, inclusion, emerging mobility formats, and much more.
This year’s edition also brings a stronger leadership and policy dimension. Transformation in higher education happens when strategy meets courage, and when institutions commit to act.
New in Bergen: deeper dialogue, stronger connections
Open Space begins even before the official starting date.
Online sessions in May will prepare the ground – introducing participants, exploring Erasmus+ KA2 calls, and exchanging initial ideas.
Arriving early? This edition offers a novelty: bilateral meetings with HVL faculties prior to the official opening, thus creating space for deeper academic exchange and potential future cooperation pathways.
The policy focus is sharper than ever. Together, we will explore how institutions can respond to the Union of Skills, Europe’s innovation agenda, and developments in the new Erasmus+ programme period. Institutional leaders will join the discussion, ensuring conversations move beyond project design to governance and long-term impact.
Community first. Always.
Open Space is where the EUF Community comes to strengthen one another.
It starts with honest conversations.
It grows through collaboration and partnerships.
It ends with clear and concrete next steps.
With the warm welcome of our hosts at HVL, this edition of Open Space promises not only strategic dialogue, but also genuine Nordic hospitality creating an atmosphere that is open, curious, and collaborative.
So yes – we are going north.
But more importantly, we are moving forward. Together.
See you in Bergen.
Find the full programme and registration link at https://openspace.uni-