On June 5, 2023, the second closed meeting between the rectorates of the TU Liberec and the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences took place. The aim of this newly established and now regular format is to expand the existing partnership between the two institutions.

This time, TU Liberec was a guest in Zittau, after the HSZG visited its Czech partners at the first meeting in November 2022. The Rector, Prof. Miroslav Brzezina, and the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Kateřina Maršíková, were present.

The highlight of the meeting on 05.06.2023 was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. With this, TU Liberec and HSZG commit to their goal of establishing a strategic institutional partnership. This includes the joint work and preparation of the EU application for the establishment of a European university alliance as well as the establishment of new forms of cooperation in the three-country region.

The introduction of a joint Bachelor's degree program in "European Business" and the further development of the Master's degree program in "Mechatronics" have been defined as further concrete next steps. These study programs will enable students to attend courses in Liberec as well as in Zittau and complete their studies with a double degree. At the same time, the young people get to know two cultures and languages - a wonderful example of cross-border cooperation in action!

As part of the meeting, the Czech guests also visited the LaNDER³ hall at the HSZG. They were particularly impressed by the research into a sustainable and holistic circular economy.

A follow-up meeting has already been arranged: It is to take place in the winter semester 2023/24 at TU Liberec.