This proposal, still in its definition phase, is conceived as an open and innovative educational space, intended to connect both sides of the border. According to the foundation's director, the project stems from an analysis highlighting how the administrative border continues to affect social, economic, and educational relations in Cerdanya.
“"There is a state border that should not separate as much as it does, but it separates quite a bit."
This situation contributes to a perception of the region as peripheral, with a dual centrality towards Barcelona and Girona in the Catalan case, and towards Toulouse and Perpignan in the French case. Faced with this reality, the initiative proposes a paradigm shift.
“"The idea is to turn the periphery into a center."
The goal is to position Cerdanya as a reference point for educational and social cooperation, leveraging existing experiences such as the Cross-Border Hospital.
The University of Cerdanya would initially be structured around three fundamental pillars. The first is the School of Coexistence, focused on developing personal and social skills, promoting coexistence, acceptance of diversity, and dialogue. The second axis would be a Popular University, accessible to young people and adults without prior access requirements, offering lectures and training that could evolve into pathways with academic and professional recognition. The third pillar would be a Connected Campus, inspired by models like Font-Romeu, providing support to distance learning students with pedagogical accompaniment and in-person activities.
The project, with European funding, has a deadline of October 2027. Until then, a study of training needs, pilot tests of the three axes, and the consolidation of institutional and economic alliances will be carried out. The Fundació Mentalitat Nova acts as coordinator of a consortium that includes stakeholders from both sides of the border, such as the Communauté de Communes Pyrénées Catalanes and the Pep Dus association, among others.
Regarding the physical location, a headquarters has not yet been defined, but the aim is a shared space in a single building, with Puigcerdà as a possible central reference point. The ultimate goal is for the future university to become a true instrument of connection between communities, overcoming current administrative divisions.
