On 20 November 2025, Duke Leopold of Arenberg received an award at BOZAR in Brussels for his many years of collaboration with and commitment to the Coimbra Group, which are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.

The Coimbra Group community and its partners gathered in Brussels for a series of events marking 40 years of collaboration, innovation, academic excellence and shared European values. The anniversary programme honoured the individuals who created and shaped this network, celebrated meaningful partnerships, and sparked forward-looking conversations on the role of universities in strengthening democracy.

1985 – 2025 Timeline

View some of the highlights in Coimbra Group's history: https://www.coimbra-group.eu/timeline/

A remarkable anniversary reception at BOZAR

The festivities began on 20 November in the Suzanne Bertouille Rotunda of BOZAR, where colleagues, partners and friends of the Coimbra Group gathered for a warm and joyful celebration. The evening opened with an address by Ludovic Thilly, Chair of the Coimbra Group Executive Board, who reflected on “1985–2025: 40 Years of Innovation” and the network’s evolution over four decades.

Keynote contributions followed from distinguished guests, each offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing European higher education today. Maria Leptin, President of the European Research Council, highlighted the vital role of curiosity-driven research. Veronika Hunt Šafránková, Head of the UNEP Brussels Office, underlined the universities’ central role in advancing sustainable development. Vanessa Debiais-Sainton, Member of the Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, reflected on the importance of skills, social rights and preparedness in shaping Europe’s future.

Honouring the people who built the Coimbra Group

A central moment of the evening was the Awards Ceremony, created to recognise the individuals and organisations whose vision, leadership and dedication shaped the Coimbra Group across its 40-year history. The network paid tribute to every former Chair of the Executive Board, as well as former Vice-Chairs, acknowledging their commitment to building cooperation across member universities.

The reception also celebrated the former Directors of the Coimbra Group Office whose work supported the consolidation of the network and the establishment of its legal entity (asbl).

The evening also featured a Special Award presented to Henri Luchian for his longstanding dedication to the network, and a moment to honour former European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel for her continuous support to higher education, research and innovation. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the European Students’ Union (ESU), represented by respectively Céline Guérin and Arno Schrooyen), were also recognised for their contribution to strengthening student-university cooperation within the CG community.

The Duke of Arenberg was likewise honoured for his continuous support to the Coimbra Group.

The ceremony concluded with an extended networking reception, where participants exchanged memories, ideas and hopes for the future of the network.