As part of its commitment to collaboration and strengthening the international Lasallian university network, La Salle-URL participated in the meeting of the Europe and Bethlehem Regional Council of the International Association of La Salle Universities (IALU), held at La Salle Campus Madrid. The meeting brought together representatives from the eight La Salle higher education institutions that make up the IALU Europe and Bethlehem Region to share projects, discuss key future challenges, and define the strategic priorities for the new 2026-2029 term.
The meeting marked the first in-person session led by Philippe Choquet, General Director of UniLaSalle, since his appointment as head of the region, succeeding Josep M. Santos, General Director of La Salle-URL, who assumed the IALU Vice Presidency during the XIV Encuentro last December. Both leaders formalized the transition of responsibilities and shared the main conclusions and agreements reached at the IALU General Council meeting recently held in New York.
The Regional Council members also welcomed Bethlehem University as a new member institution of the Europe and Bethlehem Region, following its previous affiliation with the RELAN Region. They also welcomed Nathalie Bourdier, future Head of Higher Education at La Salle France, who will succeed Br. Jacques D'Huiteau.
Throughout the meeting, representatives from the participating universities shared the main initiatives and projects developed on their respective campuses during the second semester of the academic year. Updates from the Lasallian European Mediterranean Region (RELEM) were also presented by Br. Joël Palud, General Councillor for the region.
One of the key topics of the meeting was the definition of strategic priorities for the 2026-2029 period. Agreed objectives include strengthening regional communication and governance, advancing internationalization, promoting European projects and funding opportunities, enhancing institutional advocacy capacity, and developing a shared European programme focused on leadership, identity, and formation.
The meeting concluded with a special recognition of individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Lasallian higher education in the region over recent years. Among them were Br. Jacques D'Huiteau, following his extensive service as Mission Trustee at La Salle France; Br. Maxi Nogales, who will step down as President of La Salle Campus Madrid at the end of the academic year; and Br. José Andrés Sánchez, in recognition of his leadership in the development and implementation of the new Charter of Identity for a European Lasallian Higher Education Institution.