Brussels, 19 December 2024
The EU Commission has today published a report on the final results of six Erasmus+ pilot projects, bringing together alliances between European universities and national authorities to test the common criteria underpinning a European degree. All projects concluded that a European degree would be a significant step forward in European higher education and create more opportunities for European higher education institutions and students.
The report also provides information on the work of four Erasmus+ pilot projects that tested EU cooperation instruments, such as a possible European legal status for alliances of higher education institutions. Led by 140 higher education institutions and 17 ministries, as well as other students and social partners, the report makes recommendations on how to deepen transnational cooperation in higher education, a key element of the European Education Area. For example, the pilot projects created an agreed single list of 16 criteria for the European diploma. These will serve as a basis for discussion in the framework of the next European Diplomas Policy Lab, presented in the European Diploma Action Plan presented in March 2024.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President in charge of Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, said: “Education is a key enabler of a strong, competitive and prepared EU. The European diploma is an important step in strengthening the quality of European education, based on the mobility of students towards the fifth freedom – the circulation of knowledge. I welcome the work done in the framework of the Erasmus+ pilot projects, which are helping to shape the European diploma and a possible European legal status for alliances between higher education institutions. We need such tools to make better use of Europe’s remarkable talent. »
The European Diploma Action Plan was proposed in March 2024 and proposes a new type of common curriculum, implemented on a voluntary basis and based on a common set of criteria agreed at European level. More information on the report is available on the European Education Area website. For more information on the European diploma, please see our frequently asked questions.