The European Degree is soon to become a reality, shaping the future of higher education. This was the focus of the workshop held on January 21st, 2025 at the University of Pavia, bringing together 22 international speakers and more than 500 participants (in presence and remote) from Italian and European universities, European Alliances, institutions and associations to discuss the present and future of this pivotal initiative.
The recording of the event is available on the EC2U Alliance youtube channel.
Click here to read and download the workshop material
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Starting with the Blueprint presented by the European Commission in March 2024, speakers explored the natural evolution of the Erasmus+ program, which has fostered cross-border student mobility and international collaboration for decades. As the Rector of the University of Pavia Francesco Svelto emphasized, a joint degree label would mark a significant step forward in strengthening academic cooperation and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in a globalized world. This challenge has already been addressed through the development of academic programs and strategic collaborations aimed at enhancing international cooperation. European alliances have played a crucial role in this process by launching joint degree programs, marking the first step in a transformative journey toward a future where knowledge, diversity, and innovation flow freely across European borders.
Rectors Tiziana Lippiello (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and Coordinator of the International Affairs Commission of the Conference of Rectors of Italian Universities – CRUI) and Alessandra Petrucci (University of Florence and Coordinator of the Educational Commission of CRUI) presented CRUI’s perspective on this transformative process. They highlighted the importance of sharing best practices and defining national strategies to establish a common accreditation model and implement innovative, flexible teaching approaches. In this context, the work carried out by European alliances and universities has laid the foundation for the next steps across Europe. As Pietro Carretta (Rector’s Delegate for Placement at the University of Pavia) pointed out, the ultimate goal is to enhance learning and help students build their careers and futures, aligning with shared values such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“The European Community supports the European Degrees initiative but relies on continuous collaboration and dialogue between academics and national ministries to bring this revolutionary initiative in higher education to fruition,” stated Antonella Forlino, Pro-Rector for Internationalization at the University of Pavia. “The strong interest and participation in this workshop have demonstrated that we are committed—and we are not alone.”
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION VISION
The European Commission’s perspective was presented by Yann-Maël Bideau, Representative of the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture of the European Commission. “Since the Blueprint on the European Degree, significant progress has been made,” he noted. “The goal is to establish a systemic approach that enables degrees to be awarded in compliance with national legislation at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, all defined by European criteria to ensure comparability and recognition across Europe”. Optimism is driving universities to build on the progress already made within alliances. Despite administrative barriers and compatibility challenges, institutions, agencies, and universities are working together to establish a common framework that expands opportunities for learning, employment, and mobility on a transnational level.
THE EUROPEAN ALLIANCES VISION
The next session of the workshop, chaired by Ludovic Thilly (Chair of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group, Vice-Rector for a European University at the University of Poitiers, and Coordinator General of the EC2U Alliance), focused on the perspective of European alliances. Speakers included Mara Thiene (ARQUS Alliance – University of Padova), Meritxell Chaves (CHARM-EU Alliance – Secretary General), Antonella Forlino (EC2U Alliance – Pro-Rector for Internationalization, University of Pavia), Kurt Willems (Una Europa Alliance – KU Leuven), and Francesca Villata (4EU+ Alliance – University of Milan). They shared insights from their experience, particularly on joint master’s programs, showcasing effective and robust cooperation between universities and countries. The next challenge will be to harmonize cross-border collaboration standards to ensure mobility, multicultural experiences, and innovative, flexible learning opportunities.
Legal frameworks, degree recognition, academic standardization, and financial and logistical concerns are just a few of the challenges ahead. Addressing these will be crucial to providing students with a meaningful experience and the necessary support. Lisa Schivalocchi (European Students’ Union – EC2U Alliance student representative, University of Pavia) offered the student perspective, emphasizing the immense value of these initiatives while also highlighting the issues that need to be resolved to make these experiences truly accessible and beneficial for all.
THE ITALIAN PERSPECTIVE
The interventions by the Italian Ministry of University and Research and the national accreditation agency reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the European Degrees initiative. Representing the ministry, Enrico Montaperto (Director of Office VI – University Academic Offerings, Doctoral Programs, State Examinations, and Professions) and Michele Mazzola (Director of Office III – Research Internationalization) provided an overview of Italy’s progress in aligning structures and criteria with the European Degree framework. As highlighted by Marilena Maniaci (Representative of the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University and Research System for International Activities), institutional collaboration is essential in facilitating European accreditation, defining unified standards, reducing bureaucratic burdens, and overcoming regulatory differences.
THE ROUND TABLE
In the afternoon, the Round Table discussion provided an institutional perspective on the European Degree, featuring Rectors Giovanni Molari (University of Bologna), Marjo Kaartinen (University of Turku – EC2U Alliance), and Liviu-George Maha (University of Iași – EC2U Alliance), as well as Professor Patrizio Bianchi (former Italian Minister of Education and Emeritus Professor at the University of Ferrara). Members of the Executive Board of the Coimbra Group Ludovic Thilly (Chair of the Executive Board), Daniel Donoghue, Coco Norén, and Eva Voldřichová Beránková also contributed to the discussion. What is the added value of the European Degree in the academic framework? What should be the role of national governments, and how can we strengthen international collaboration to achieve this goal? These are some of the questions raised during this session to stimulate discussion and debate and offer the audience a multifaceted perspective, rooted in different contexts.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN CITIZENS
As Pro-Rector Antonella Forlino emphasized: “The strong presence of academic and administrative representatives from numerous Italian universities underscores the significance of and interest in the internationalization of university education. This process is increasingly taking shape, paving the way for the introduction of European Degrees. The vision of awarding European Degrees through innovative joint educational programs is now closer to reality, garnering both national and international interest. The shared enthusiasm and optimism among all speakers, along with a highly engaging debate, reaffirmed the crucial role that university education plays in shaping the future of European citizens”