The project has been in the works of the European Commission for several years. But new proposals discussed on Wednesday could finally launch the establishment of university diplomas recognized throughout the European Union. This would make them more attractive to employers and students around the world.
There is currently no automatic recognition of university diplomas at European level. In addition, the process of having a diploma recognized in another EU country than the one where it was issued can sometimes take several years. “This process can be tedious and waste time,” said Education Commissioner Iliana Ivanova on Wednesday. “The European diploma would solve these problems.”
A trend already observed
The European executive, which has only limited competence in matters of education, proposes a series of criteria intended to serve as the basis for such a European diploma. Brussels particularly mentions the need to involve at least two higher education establishments located in two different Member States, in order to encourage student mobility.
“This is a trend that is underway, many European universities are already joining forces, we see them cooperating in terms of Erasmus programs, research and convergence of courses,” observed the Vice-President of the Commission, Margaritis Schinas. But “there are still too many obstacles and bureaucracy,” he lamented during a press conference.
Making Europe more competitive
The Commission explains that this proposal responds to a demand from students, universities and employers and is based on pilot projects involving more than 140 higher education institutions across the EU. The objective is also to “make European higher education even more competitive, more interconnected and to guarantee Europe’s place in the global race for talent,” explained Iliana Ivanova.
The proposal, which must now be discussed by member states, aims to encourage universities to engage in such cooperation, without setting any obligations. “It would be a joint degree between several universities as part of a process in which they voluntarily decided to take part,” Iliana Ivanova said. These common programs would concern the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.