On 27 March, the European Commission (EC) adopted an higher education package geared towards the creation of a new ‘European degree’ which will enhance learning mobility, fortify innovation and elevate European competitiveness on the global stage. The package comprises a Communication on ‘A Blueprint for a European Degree’ and two proposals for a Council Recommendation to support the higher education sector.
A blueprint for an European degree
An European degree would be automatically recognised across the EU and would be awarded after transnational Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral programmes delivered at national, regional, or institutional level. It stands to benefit both students and the higher education sector by addressing labour market demands and making graduates more appealing to prospective employers, whilst simultaneously attracting international students to bolster European competitiveness. A European degree would also tackle the legal and administrative barriers that currently hinder the establishment of competitive joint degree programmes, allowing higher education institutions from different countries to cooperate seamlessly across borders.
The Communication proposes ‘a concrete cooperation path’ between EU Member States and the higher education sector towards the creation of a European degree, which will be based on a common set of criteria agreed at the European level. It also proposes two possible entry points:
- A preparatory European label: this would provide strong European branding and would be given to joint degree programmes which meet the proposed European criteria: students receive a European degree label certificate together with their joint degree.
- An European degree: this new type of qualification would be based on common criteria and be anchored in national legislation. It would be awarded either jointly by several universities from different countries or possibly by an European legal entity established by such universities: students receive a ‘European degree’ that is automatically recognised.
Proposals for Council Recommendations
In addition to the Blueprint, the higher education package comprises two proposals for Council Recommendations. The proposal for a Council Recommendation on an European quality assurance and recognition system aims to streamline and enhance quality assurance processes. These will ensure that higher education institutions can create transnational programmes that are quality assured and automatically recognised across the EU.
A second proposal for a Council Recommendation on attractive and sustainable careers in higher education seeks equitable recognition and reward for academic staff who engage in additional roles alongside research such as teaching. It also encourages Member States to promote transnational education activities.
Next Steps
The package is due to be discussed with the EU Council and stakeholders in the coming months. The EC urges Member States, universities, students, and partners to work collaboratively to make the European degree a success, and has pledged support to Member States by establishing a European degree policy lab and an annual European degree forum, as well as by offering financial incentives through the Erasmus+ program.
You can find more information on the European degree here and here.