Marjo Kaartinen
Rector of the University of Turku

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the University of Turku for the 10th EC2U Forum. We are honoured and proud to host this milestone event that brings together colleagues, students, partners, and friends from across Europe.

The theme of this year’s Forum, “Shaping European Futures through Quality Education,” is close to our hearts. At the University of Turku, we work every day to ensure that education and research help create a fair, equal, and sustainable world. Many of our researchers specialise in exploring the ways in which education can make a difference in changing societies. This is a topic that could not be more relevant today.

Turku is Finland’s oldest university city with rich academic traditions as well as a forward-looking spirit. The City of Turku is one of our most valued strategic partners, and together we foster innovation, learning, and well-being. I warmly encourage you to explore our beautiful city and enjoy its vibrant culture while you are here.

Enjoy your stay, and have an inspiring Forum!

Piia Elo
Mayor of the City of Turku

I warmly welcome the EC2U community to Finland’s oldest and boldest city, Turku! As the first capital, with the first university, our city is deeply rooted in promoting education, research, and culture. Turku's story is one of continuity, transformation, determination, self-reliance, creativity and sustainability. In 2029, as the city turns 800, we will achieve carbon neutrality: this is Turku's birthday gift to all its residents.

The City of Turku is committed to the EC2U Alliance and its vision. Together with the University of Turku and our European partners, we are proud to advance this exceptional collaboration.

The theme of the Forum 2026 is “Shaping European Futures through Quality Education”. Through education, we promote active citizenship, inclusion, and a sense of belonging in a community created by all of us. I am sure the Forum will pave way towards our cities and universities working together towards a resilient Europe that contributes to a sense of capacity and agency amongst individuals and communities. 

Alongside the inspiring discussions and meetings, I hope you’ll discover the essence of our city – its people, culture, and nature – and take with you a spark of its vibrant spirit.

Lukas Zehner
President of ESN Uni Turku

A very warm welcome to Turku, the oldest city in Finland,

Turku with its wide international community and home to one of the only fully Swedish speaking universities in Finland stands as a strong, living symbol of tolerance and togetherness. A multicultural reflection of the European mindset. The Erasmus Student Network was funded and is today more than ever actively working to support this European philosophy of tolerance and openness, creating long-lasting bonds between locals and internationals throughout Europe and beyond. 

It is through the support of projects empowering unity in diversity, such as those made possible by the EC2U alliance that it becomes imaginable to firmly establish the shaping of Europe, as a strong lasting symbol of an area of peace and cultural exchange. The impact that this alliance of European cities has in terms of creating bonds within citizens of our multicultural continent and widening the opportunities of the European youth is strong and significant.

The Erasmus Student Network, as a long-lasting Associated Partner of the EC2U Alliance since its very start, actively shares the vision of cooperation in advancing integration and active European Citizenship. ESN Uni Turku is very thrilled, proud and delighted to be an active part of this year’s EC2U forum. Following the outstanding work delivered by ESN Coimbra last year comes as a challenging task. We dearly hope you will all take the time to discover and enjoy Turku, its culture, its nature, and its spirit and that you get to experience Finnish happiness.

ESN Uni Turku wishes you all a warm welcome to Turku!

Roosa Partanen
Chair of the Executive Board of the Student Union of the University of Turku

Hi student! A STYYlish welcome to Turku!

The Student Union of the University of Turku (TYY) warmly welcomes you to the EC2U Forum in Turku, Finland. We are truly excited to host the Forum here on our home campus and to welcome students and partners from across Europe!

The University of Turku is known for its multidisciplinary studies, close and walkable campus and its active student community. I warmly hope that you will feel part of this community throughout your stay and experience student life in Turku along the way.

The EC2U Forum offers a great opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn from different perspectives. I encourage you to take part in discussions, connect with fellow students, and enjoy everything Turku has to offer, from the riverside atmosphere to the vibrant student culture!

Thank you for being part of the EC2U community and for bringing your energy, ideas, and enthusiasm to the Forum. The TYY community is delighted to have you here and wishes you an inspiring and memorable stay in Turku!