# Higher education cooperation in Balkans and Mediterranean > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/higher-education-cooperation-in-balkans-and-mediterranean > Updated: 2026-09-30T11:22:36.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Higher education institutions across the Balkans and the Euro-Mediterranean region are implementing new initiatives to enhance professional integration, research, and academic mobility. In Albania and North Macedonia, universities are focusing on bridging the gap between academia and the labor market. The Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan launched the ‘UNIEL Pact for Practice and Employment’ to foster collaboration with businesses and technology companies. Similarly, the Agricultural University of Tirana entered a cooperation agreement with Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to provide students with internships and scientific collaboration in fields like biotechnology and food safety. Broadening the scope to international cooperation, institutions in the Euro-Mediterranean region are expanding alliances. The University of Mostar has invited participation in the EUPeace alliance to facilitate research hubs and international mobility. Additionally, leadership from EMUNI University held meetings in Malta with the University of Malta and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies to strengthen academic connectivity and dialogue across the Mediterranean space. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-30: European universities expand academic cooperation and mobility Universities in Mostar and EMUNI are expanding Euro-Mediterranean academic cooperation through the EUPeace alliance and new partnerships with Maltese institutions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-universities-expand-academic-cooperation-and-mobility ### 2026-09-24: Higher education institutions launch new professional integration initiatives Universities in Albania and North Macedonia are launching new initiatives, including the UNIEL Pact, to enhance student internships and align academic expertise with professional labor market needs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/higher-education-institutions-launch-new-professional-integration-initiatives --- Cite as: Higher education cooperation in Balkans and Mediterranean. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/higher-education-cooperation-in-balkans-and-mediterranean