Commission rolls out plans for a European degree
The European Commission is unveiling a series of initiatives aimed at fostering transnational cooperation among higher education institutions. These initiatives are designed to streamline joint degree programs and pave the way for the creation of a European degree. The ultimate goal is to enhance learning mobility within the EU, improve graduates’ transversal skills, and bolster European competitiveness on the global stage.
The genesis of these initiatives can be traced back to the Commission Communication on Achieving the European Education Area by 2025, which underscored the importance of facilitating joint degree programs among higher education alliances. President von der Leyen, in her State of the Union speech in 2023, announced this package of initiatives, which forms a crucial component of the Commission’s 2024 Work Programme. The blueprint for a European degree builds on the existing six Erasmus+ pilot projects involving over 140 higher education institutions from across the EU.
The voluntary European degree is expected to benefit both students and the higher education community. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles and enhancing collaboration between institutions across borders, such a degree would facilitate smoother learning experiences for students and make graduates more attractive to employers. Furthermore, it is anticipated to attract talent from around the world, thereby boosting European competitiveness.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, emphasised the significance of these initiatives in responding to the evolving needs of students, universities, and employers. The vision is to make European higher education more competitive and interconnected, securing Europe’s position in the global talent pool.
Central to the Commission’s proposals is the introduction of a blueprint for a European degree, accompanied by two recommendations to support the higher education sector. The recommendations focus on improving quality assurance processes, automatic recognition of qualifications, and making academic careers more attractive and sustainable.
The blueprint for a European degree envisions a new type of joint program that can be voluntarily adopted at national, regional, or institutional levels. It will be based on a common set of criteria agreed upon at the European level, aimed at fostering seamless cooperation across borders.
Additionally, the proposals seek to enhance accountability and trust within the higher education sector by simplifying quality assurance processes and practices. Member States are encouraged to take measures to align higher education programs with societal needs and endorse innovative pedagogical offers.
The second proposal aims to support attractive and sustainable careers in higher education by recognising the diverse roles of staff involved in cross-border education and innovative teaching methods. It encourages Member States to promote transnational education activities and address the uneven recognition of different roles within higher education systems.
In the coming months, the proposed initiatives will be discussed with the Council of the EU and key stakeholders in higher education, marking a significant step toward enhancing transnational cooperation and fostering excellence in European higher education.
