We are glad to announce the appointment of Joachim Wyssling as the new Executive Manager of the EUF starting from 1st September, marking a leadership transition at a pivotal moment for European higher education cooperation.
The Steering Committee has entrusted this key role to Joachim Wyssling, who joined the EUF Team in 2011 and has been Deputy Executive Manager since 2022. He brings extensive experience managing European university networks and projects, a strong understanding of higher education policies and a long-standing commitment to developing the European Higher Education Area. His multilingual profile and deep familiarity with our projects, governance, and partners are expected to support a smooth transition and further consolidate the Foundation’s activities.
Dr. Yoan Vilain, EUF President from Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, welcomed the appointment, underlining the strategic continuity it provides:
“With Joachim stepping into the role of Executive Manager, the EUF is building on a solid foundation of experience in European cooperation and project management. His knowledge of our network and of the wider higher education landscape will help us navigate the next phase of the Foundation’s development at a challenging time for many higher education institutions across the continent facing rapidly changing societal and geopolitical challenges”.
A roadmap for the Executive Manager’s work will be presented and discussed during the upcoming Council of Rectors meeting hosted by the University of Milan in November. This will allow EUF Charter Members to shape priorities for the coming years and confirm the expectations attached to the Executive Manager’s mandate.
Joachim Wyssling commented:
“I am honoured by the confidence placed in me by the Steering Committee and grateful to João for the leadership, commitment and vision he has brought to the Foundation, and the shared collaboration we have had for the last 15 years. I look forward to working closely with our member universities, governance bodies, partners and the EUF team to build on this strong foundation, strengthen our shared European agenda and respond collectively to the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Joachim succeeds João Bacelar in this role. João’s tenure saw the growth and consolidation of the EUF as one of Europe’s most influential university networks, as well as a string of high-impact projects that helped advance student mobility. João joined the EUF in 2003 and will remain closely involved as Senior Strategy and Policy Advisor, ensuring continuity in EUF’s core activities.
René Teunissen, EUF Coordinators’ representative in the Steering Committee, from Erasmus University Rotterdam, highlighted the importance of the transition for member institutions:
“This leadership change comes at a crucial moment for higher education institutions, as they will soon start to adapt to a new EU programming period and an evolving digital and policy environment. We are grateful to João for his expertise and unwavering commitment to advance the quality of student and staff mobility in Europe and beyond and are confident that Joachim’s appointment and strong profile will ensure both continuity and fresh momentum for the projects and partnerships that matter most to our members.”
With the advent of the new EU programme period 2028-2034, the EUF remains committed to its core, founding mission of accelerating the modernisation of European higher education. Under Joachim’s leadership and experience, the Foundation will continue to advance these priorities and advocate for more inclusive and ambitious mobility policies while strengthening cooperation and shared governance with the EUF network.