The aims and objectives of reforming European higher education are directly related to the implementation of its two founding documents - Bologna Process and Lisbon Strategy.
BOLOGNA PROCESS
Currently, 46 countries with the support of several international organizations are participating in the Bologna process aimed at creation of European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The process continues to develop dynamically which is started in 1999 and every two years (2001- Prague, 2003 - Berlin, 2005 - Bergen, 2007 - London) reviewed its goals and objectives. The last of regular meeting of the Ministers of Higher Education was held in Leuven (Belgium) in April 2009.
As a result of the ministerial conference held in May 2007 in London, issued a communiqué entitled “Towards the European Higher Education Area: responding to challenges in a globalised world”.
The London Communiqué summed up the results and set priorities for the next two years in the following areas:
- Mobility is one of the core elements of the Bologna Process, creating opportunities for personal growth, developing international cooperation between individuals and institutions, enhancing the quality of higher education and research. Work will be continued to solve the problems relating to immigration, recognition, insufficient financial incentives and inflexible pension.
- Good progress is being made at national and institutional levels on transition to a three-cycle degree system. The importance of curricula reform leading to qualifications better suited both to the needs of the labour market and to further study and increase the employment was underlined.
- Fair recognition of higher education qualifications, periods of study and prior learning are essential components of the EHEA. To improve recognition practices, the Bologna Follow-up Group (BFUG) was requested to analyse national action plans and spread good practice in the framework of the ENIC/NARIC networks. [1]
- Qualifications frameworks are core element of the EHEA and important instruments in achieving comparability and transparency which help HEIs to develop modules and study programmes, and improve the recognition of qualifications as well as all forms of prior learning. Much more effort is required to fully implement such national qualifications frameworks, certified against the overarching Framework for Qualifications of the EHEA, by 2010, which will also be compatible with the proposal from the European Commission on a European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
- The stocktaking report shows that some elements of flexible learning exist in most countries, but a more systematic development of flexible learning paths to support lifelong learning is at an early stage.
- It was noted that the standards and guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA adopted in Bergen (ESG) have been a powerful driver of changes and the extent of student involvement has increased. International cooperation will be continued with regard to mutual recognition of accreditation. An agreement was reached on setting up a Register of European Higher Education Quality Assurance Agencies.
- Closer alignment of the EHEA with the European Research Area (ERA) remains an important objective. HEIs should reinforce their efforts to embed doctoral programmes in institutional strategies and policies, and to develop appropriate career paths and opportunities for doctoral candidates and early stage researchers.
- Higher education should play a strong role in fostering social cohesion, reducing inequalities and raising the level of knowledge, skills and competences in society. The student body entering and completing higher education at all levels should reflect the diversity of EU populations, the students being able to complete their studies without obstacles related to their social and economic background.
- The European Higher Education Area in a global context. It was noted with pleasure that in many parts of the world, the Bologna reforms have created considerable interest and stimulated discussion between European and international partners on a range of issues. Further work is needed: improving information on, and promoting the attractiveness and competitiveness of the EHEA; strengthening cooperation based on partnerships [2]; intensifying policy dialogue; and improving recognition - You can leave this part or just replace the latest information on Leven.
According to the latest ministerial meeting in 2009 adopted the so-called Leuven Communiqué "The Bologna Process - 2020" [3], which is:
- confirming the validity of the objectives set by the Bologna Declaration and the policy developed in subsequent years;
- stressing the need for further commitments / actions for the implementation of the Bologna Declaration;
- in the decade up to 2020 European higher education has a vital contribution to make in realising a Europe of knowledge that is highly creative and innovative. Given this role and the challenges facing Europe, higher education stated as a priority of public investment.
The main higher education priorities for the decade to come:
- Further development of the social dimension: Each participating country will set measurable targets for widening overall participation and increasing participation of underrepresented groups in higher education
- Lifelong learning shall also be as an integral part of education systems: implementation of lifelong learning policies through partnerships between stakeholders (public authorities, higher education institutions, students, employers and employees) and development of national qualifications frameworks. This refers to the self-certification against the overarching Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area by 2012.
- Employability: Objective - raising initial qualifications as well as maintaining and renewing a skilled workforce.
Lisbon Strategy
The Strategy adopted for a ten-year period in June 2000 in Lisbon, Portugal by the European Council. It broadly aimed to "make Europe, by 2010, the most competitive economy in the world". The strategy considers the universities as important partners, recognizing the importance of their scientific work, excellence in research and innovation, availability of resources and competitiveness.
The Lisbon strategy covers the Member States of the European Union (27 countries), i.e. Europe less than the total number of countries involved in the Bologna Process (46 countries). Lisbon strategy is managing by the European Commission and decision makers in the EU member states.
Main priorities of the Lisbon Strategy:
- increase of competitiveness (through investments in research and to strengthen common market);
- employment (focus on job creation, improved employment opportunities, investment in human resources);
- improvement of social protection, pension and health care;
- Ensure high and sustainable economic growth (through stimulating investment in new technologies and innovative business development).
Lisbon Strategy will continue to enhance the competitiveness of EHEA through increased investment in scientific research, new technologies and innovative business development, increasing the public recognition of the role of scientists, as well as the creation of necessary conditions for the development of research activities.
European Commission Directorate General for Education and Culture
http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/educ/bologna/bologna_en.html
Bologna Process
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/londonbologna/
http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/hogeronderwijs/bologna/
Lisbon Strategy
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/summits/lis1_en.htm#1
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[1] European Network of Information Centres - National Academic Recognition Information Centres
[2] Tempus and Erasmus Mundus, Erasmus Mundus "External Cooperation Window", funded by the European Commission, assist in the implementation of the above objectives through cooperation with partner countries in the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Mediterranean. Information on the activities of the Tempus program in the country can be found at http://www.tempus.europahouse.uz
[3] «The Bologna Process 2020 - The European Higher Education Area in the new decade».//Communiqué of the Conference of European Ministers Responsible for Higher Education, Leuven and Louvain-la-Neuve, 28-29 April 2009.
