BRUSSELS – In a major push to enhance higher education, the European Commission today released a blueprint outlining a path to create a “European Degree.” This new qualification would symbolise academic cooperation across the European Union, aiming to foster a sense of shared European identity.
The European Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral Degree would build on transnational cooperation among universities. Students could study at multiple EU institutions, gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences while earning a single, universally recognized diploma.
“A European Degree would make our universities more competitive, our graduates more desirable to employers, and better equip Europe to tackle future challenges,” said a Commission spokesperson.
Key Points of a European Degree
- European Degree automatically recognized across the entire EU.
- Jointly awarded by participating universities.
- Initially offered at Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral levels.
- Designed to provide future-proof skills graduates will need.
The Commission emphasised a gradual rollout, with an initial “preparatory European label” awarded to existing joint degree programs that meet established criteria. Ultimately, a full European Degree would be created, possibly by forming a new legal entity to represent the group of collaborating universities.
The Commission also unveiled related proposals to revamp quality assurance and improve career prospects within European higher education. At the same time as it further empowers one of Europe’s prime strengths in the global competition: Research and Development.
Source: European Commission
