The EHEA : a primer for prospective registrants
In the late 20th century Europe experienced dramatic political, economic, and cultural changes. The creation of the European Union, the remaking of Eastern European political systems and economies, and technological advances have fostered increased population movement and cross-border cultural and economic relationships. While these trends are frequently analyzed in economic terms, they also signal a changing environment for education systems at all levels. In particular, higher education institutions are called on to prepare workers and citizens for life in an emerging transnational, knowledge-based society.
But European higher education systems are fragmented along national lines. They foster different academic cultures and issue incompatible credits and qualifications, conditions that ultimately hinder research collaborations and labor/student mobility. Higher education systems have also operated under state control, which make them more responsive to national priorities and traditions than to new 'European' goals. It is in this context of both opportunities and challenges that higher education leaders have embarked on a process of 'harmonization', with the ultimate goal of creating an integrated 'European Higher Education Area'.
In the 1999 Bologna Declaration, national education ministers signaled their commitment to reforms aimed at converging national university systems. They envisioned a system that would both enhance citizen employability and mobility as well as increase the international competitiveness of European universities. A 'coherent and cohesive' European Higher Education Area (EHEA) would be in place by 2010.
One major outcome of the Bologna Declaration has been the introduction of standardized undergraduate and graduate degrees-the '3+2+3' model. Undergraduate degrees are not to exceed three years, while master's and doctoral degrees require an additional two and three year programs, respectively.
A second product of the Declaration was the development of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which will ensure the recognition of coursework and degrees across educational institutions. The ECTS incorporates quality assurance evaluation programs to enhance the international transparency of professional and academic training systems. Combined, these initiatives are designed to facilitate student and faculty movement, and to support an international labor market for degree-holders.
The Bologna Process has moved forward and gained visibility through subsequent meetings of national education ministers and university representatives. In 2001, 32 signatories to the Prague Communiqué reaffirmed commitments to establishing the EHEA by 2010. The agreement also outlined strategies to promote 'lifelong learning' and affirm the involvement of students as partners in the reform process. The Prague meeting also symbolized an intent to involve more European nations in anticipation of EU enlargement.
More recently, education leaders met in Berlin (2003). The Berlin Communiqué added plans to promote doctoral studies and the advancement of young researchers. Currently, 40 countries-including the Western Balkan nations and Andorra -are participating in the Bologna Process. A conference planned for May 2005 ( From Berlin to Bergen ) will continue this work.
The 'harmonization' of educational systems has not proceeded without tension. University administrators, faculty, and students have expressed reservations about convergence and the relinquishment of control. Proposed changes in program length and content, credit systems, and even learning styles challenge established national traditions. Parties to the EHEA must thus weigh the compatibility of national differences with a common education area.
The Constructing the European Higher Education Area Symposium seeks to generate interdisciplinary discussion around the nature, scope, and tensions associated with the construction of the EHEA and its role in creating a competitive and 'cohesive' Europe. It is further intended to stimulate trans-Atlantic dialogue on 'Europeanization' and the globalization of higher education. The symposium brings together an array of international administrators and university presidents, including heads of the European University Association (Eric Froment) and the American Council of Education (David Ward). In addition, scholars from the US, Canada, Italy, Slovenia, and Finland, among others, will discuss their work. We welcome your presence at the symposium from 8-9 April.
Additional Resources on the Restructuring of European Higher Education
Key Documents of the "Bologna Process":
Convention on the recognition of (higher education) qualifications in the European region. Lisbon, 11 April 1997.
Joint declaration by French, German, Italian, and UK ministers on harmonizing the structures of the European higher education system. Paris, 25 May 1998.
Joint declaration of the European Ministers of Education. Bologna, 19 June 1999.
Prague Communiqué - Towards the European Higher Education Area 
Communiqué of the meeting of European Ministers in charge of Higher Education. Prague, 19 May 2001.
Salamanca Convention 2001: The Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area 
Berlin Ministerial Conference 2003
New Document, Lisbon Strategy
2 February 2005 -- COM (2005) 024 -- Communication to the Spring European Council: "Working together for growth and jobs: A new start for the Lisbon Strategy"
Ministers responsible for higher education in 40 European countries will meet in Bergen, Norway, 19-20 May 2005.
EHEA Background and Analysis
TRENDS I - Trends in Learning Structures in Higher Education 
The first report on Trends in Learning Structures in Higher Education was a background paper for the Bologna Forum on 18-19 June 1999. The report presents and analyses current higher education structures in European Union member states and the European Economic Area.
TRENDS II - Towards the European Higher Education Area 
The second report surveys main reforms initiated at the Bologna (1999) and Prague (2001) meetings. Summary and conclusions by Guy Haug (European Commission) and Christian Tauch (German Rector's Conference)
TRENDS III - Progress Towards the European Higher Education Area
A background report for the European University Convention and 2003 Berlin meetings of the European Ministers of Education. By Sybille Reichert (ETH Zürich) and Christian Tauch (German Rector's Conference), July 2003.
European Commission Higher Education Initiatives
Materials surrounding the 2001 Communication on Making a European Area of Lifelong Learning a Reality. The lifelong learning initiatives seek to empower citizens in a knowledge-based society and foster Member State goals of prosperity, inclusion and tolerance, and democracy.
The European Commission's eLearning initiative seeks to mobilize educational, cultural, and economic leaders to accelerate changes in European education and training systems.
An initiative to promote networking and cooperation between European researchers. The European Research Area regroups all EC supports for coordinated research and innovation policies.
European Commission Education and Training mainpage
Other Resources
European University Association
The EUA represents European universities and various national rectors' conferences. As the main voice of the higher education community in Europe, it promotes the development of coherent education and research systems.
World Trade Organization/General Agreement on Trade in Services
The WTO website contains background and negotiating proposals for international trade in education services-e.g. student/faculty movement, presence of foreign universities, etc.
European Centre for Higher Education (UNESCO-CEPES)
The European Centre for Higher Education/Centre Européen pour l'Enseignement Supérieur promotes cooperation in higher education, with a current focus on Central and Eastern Europe. It has been involved in follow-up activities in the Bologna Process.
EurActiv: EU News, Policy Positions, and EU Actors Online
EurActiv.com is an independent media portal fully dedicated to EU affairs at http://www.euractiv.com/Section?idNum=3750699
The European Dream - America's nightmare?
Go to "Issues" tab. A panel discussion with Jeremy Rifkin, Maria João Rodrigues, Pascal Lamy and Martine Aubry moderated by Daniel Cohn-Bendit
© 2005 Univ Wisc Board of Regents Symposium Contacts Page Date:
25-Feb-2005
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