The bureaucratic grip of European university alliances

European University Alliances (EUAs) are key instruments in the European Union's strategy for higher education integration. Funded primarily through Erasmus+ and Horizon2020. These alliances aim to enhance academic mobility, promote transnational collaboration, and foster curriculum innovation. However, despite their ambitious goals, EUAs face bureaucratic complexities that may hinder their long-term sustainability. This paper explores the governance structures of these alliances, analysing the role of bureaucratic mechanisms in shaping institutional dynamics. It also examines how digitalisation and curricular mobility present a window of opportunity for overcoming administrative barriers. By assessing the impact of EU policies, funding frameworks, and institutional practices, we argue that while EUAs offer a promising model for higher education cooperation, their long-term viability depends on streamlined governance and strategic policy support.