The Political Context

Summary of Interlinked Activities

1)       The Bologna Process
This is a politically embedded process backed up by legislative foundations.
The Bologna Declaration on higher education in June 1999 marked the introduction of a new enhanced European cooperation in this area. Having started in Sorbonne 1998 aiming at a harmonization of the architecture of European higher education, the process seeks to establish real transparency between systems of higher education by creating a shared basis for them founded on two-cycle degrees.
The main objective is a “European Higher Education Area” (EHEA).
Main instruments are a credit transfer system (“ECTS”), two-cycle degrees, diploma supplements and a agreed accreditation structure.

2)       The Copenhagen Process
Having started as a consultation process, the main objective was to include the perspective of lifelong learning and VET, emphasizing the need for citizens to make use of a wide range of vocational opportunities – including those at the workplace. The objectives raised during a meeting in Bruges were steered into a political process by the declaration from Copenhagen.
Main instruments are “EC-VET”, a credit transfer system for VET, a European CV, certificate supplements, EUROPASS (more information).

3)       Maastricht-Brussels: The EQF
Based on a ministerial conference to strengthen the European cooperation in VET, Maastricht, December 2004, EU heads of government requested in 2005 in Brussels that a European Qualification Framework be created that joins ECTS and EC-VET and establishes the basis for transparency and comparability for all levels of qualification.
As a central instrument to this aim, the EQF provides common reference points. It is now implemented on a voluntary basis and seeks national and sectoral specifications to be made.