At the European level, together with other research-intensive universities, we must continue to exert influence on European policy through strong partnerships such as LERU, and continue to emphasise the importance of academic freedom in the face of growing global aversion to scientific argumentation. KU Leuven must also demonstrate commitment within these partnerships, for example by continuing to raise the issue of a consistent and fair European funding policy that respects human rights. Through UNA Europa, we can continue to work on education and research initiatives that promote our shared societal commitment in Europe, in a bottom-up approach and therefore together with researchers and faculties. In the regional, European and global partnerships we enter into, let us always keep our ambitions focused and continue to challenge the partnerships themselves, scrutinising their merits and added value, and monitoring their sustainability. This is how, together, we can make broad social commitment a priority that connects us and drives us forward.

Together, we make KU Leuven

Thank you very much for the vote of confidence you have placed in me during what has already been an intense campaign. Now we are steaming ahead to the final round of voting! Because if you really want to bring a breath of fresh air to the university, you need to know exactly what is going on, what the needs are and how we can realistically address them. In short, you need to know KU Leuven inside out so that we can move forward together and leave no one behind. That’s why I am keen to continue the dialogue with you, because yes, together, we make KU Leuven.