On November 25, 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted a landmark recommendation on fostering sustainable and attractive careers in higher education, alongside a policy debate on the European Degree. In particular, the recommendation emphasizes the integration of principles of sustainable development, gender equality and inclusivity, ethical artificial intelligence (AI) use, as well as innovative teaching methods, marking a significant step in reshaping academic roles.
The recommendation on the European quality insurance and recognition system in higher education is set to be negotiated during the Polish Presidency, with adoption expected in May or June 2025. Under the Polish Presidency, these developments aim to harmonize academic career pathways across Europe, creating inclusive and rewarding environments for educators and researchers while promoting skills for the green transition.
In a recent interview, Mattias Björnmalm, Secretary General of the CESAER association (Conference of European Schools for Advanced Engineering Education and Research), highlighted that Europe must focus on data-driven insights that build on existing tools, alongside targeted, evidence-based actions to fill these gaps at European, national, and regional levels. Showcasing best practices from leading universities can serve as a roadmap for improvement, helping to guide further European higher education institutions toward meaningful reform. The Council’s initiatives, including a proposed European competence framework for academic staff, offer hope for a more cohesive and competitive European Education Area while addressing pressing global challenges.
In parallel, a policy debate on the European Degree highlighted shifting perspectives among member states. Once met with hesitation, the initiative is now widely seen as a transformative tool to address skills gaps, enhance student mobility, and elevate Europe’s educational influence globally. While Austria, Spain, and Portugal championed its potential, concerns from countries like Sweden and Germany centered on maintaining national flexibility and ensuring quality standards. The debate underscored the need for a balanced approach to avoid a two-tier system in higher education.
More information:
https://education.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-presents-a-blueprint-for-a-european-degree