Mitrovica, March 2026 – Public International Business College Mitrovica (IBCM) participated in the International Week hosted by Université Bretagne Sud (UBS) in Lorient and Vannes, France, from 9 to 12 March 2026.

The IBCM delegation, consisting of Rector Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa, Vice-Rector Prof. Assoc. Dr. Jelena Stanojevic, and Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Gjokaj, took part in a series of academic and networking activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation and expanding partnerships with European universities.

A central activity of the visit was the panel discussion “Building Bridges,” where Prof. Dr. Ekrem Gjokaj participated as a panelist. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between European higher education institutions, with particular emphasis on:

• cross-border academic collaboration,

• development of joint research initiatives,

• expansion of student and staff mobility, and

• the role of European programs in supporting institutional partnerships.

The panel brought together representatives from multiple universities and provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss practical approaches to building sustainable academic partnerships across Europe.

During the week, Rector Prof. Dr. Mihone Kerolli Mustafa delivered a lecture titled “Sustainability and Environmental Challenges in the Western Balkans.” The lecture addressed regional environmental issues and highlighted the role of higher education institutions in promoting sustainability through teaching, research, and institutional practices.

As part of the program, the delegation visited several academic units of Université Bretagne Sud, including the Faculties of Economics, Computer Science, and Environmental Sciences. Meetings with academic staff focused on identifying concrete areas for cooperation, including joint research activities, academic exchanges, guest lectures, and participation in European funding schemes.

IBCM was also represented with a stand at the EMERGE European University Alliance Fair, where it presented its academic programs, institutional profile, and international activities. The stand attracted interest from partner institutions and facilitated direct discussions on potential collaboration.

In addition, bilateral meetings were held with representatives of Université Bretagne Sud and universities from Spain, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Slovakia, and Cyprus. These meetings focused on future cooperation in mobility programs, joint academic initiatives, and participation in European projects.

The visit contributed to strengthening IBCM’s international engagement and created a basis for further development of partnerships with European higher education institutions.