The programme of promoting the European system of higher education worldwide, known as the Bologna Process, was one of the main areas discussed by the Minister and the Commissioner. This process is an intergovernmental initiative between 46 participating countries and aims to help make the EU the world’s most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy. The process is committed to creating a European Higher Education Area by 2010.
The minister welcomed the opportunity to meet with the European Commissioner and said: “Northern Ireland is fully committed to the Bologna Process in realising the European Higher Education Area. The ability to move more freely between European universities will continue to offer Northern Ireland students, and teaching staff, the opportunities to acquire and develop the experience, language skills, cultural maturity and other skills they need to succeed personally and professionally, thereby enhancing their employability and careers.”
The Northern Ireland Higher Education Sector works closely with the other areas of the UK to progress the Bologna Process within Europe; including mutual recognition and improved transparency of qualifications; greater mobility of students and graduates through the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programmes; and the development of a European Qualifications Framework and European Credit Transfer System within the emerging European Higher Education Area.
Notes to Editors:
1. Jan Figel, EU Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, web link: -http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/figel/index_en.htm
2. The broad objectives of the Bologna Process are to remove the obstacles to student mobility across Europe; to enhance the attractiveness of European higher education worldwide and to establish a common structure of higher education systems across Europe. Further information can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/educ/bologna/bologna_en.html
3. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
