Coimbra Group Statement: Why we need the European Degree now
03 February 2025
Shaping the future of European higher education
Realizing the format of European Degree (ED) will be a cornerstone of Europe’s further integration, especially in today’s polycrises context where the European Union (EU)’s unity, its values and cooperation are our strongest assets. The times call for an ambitious vision for higher education, the bedrock of social cohesion, progress, innovation and competitiveness.
Through their pivotal international role, Universities create knowledge, education and innovation. They are driving forces for cooperation on all levels. In his report to the European Council, Enrico Letta recommended the adoption of the European Degree for “realising the fifth freedom”. A ED is more than a qualification or a label. It is crucial for furthering the interconnectedness and inclusiveness of the educational landscape across Europe.
Coimbra Group (CG) is therefore calling for rapid progress in the enactment of the European Degree, on a voluntary basis, in full compliance with the subsidiarity principle and competence of the EU27 Member States and by creating flexible and enabling structures which guarantee academic freedom.
We call on all actors to focus on the benefits and opportunities,rather than dwelling on challenges. Let’s move forward and create the future by experimenting! Why do we need the European Degree?
There is a breadth of evidence and analysis available. Let’s build on it: the momentum is now! Wasting more time would dilute the interest.
Existing programmes such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM), the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks, the Erasmus+ pilot projects – such as ED-AFFICHE & ED-Lab, to which CG contributed – and the European Universities Initiative, have demonstrated that ED-like frameworks can work effectively, benefiting students, higher education institutions, public and private employers, and society at large through building up, among others, future-proof competencies by interlinking research and education. .
As champions of these different initiatives, CG Universities have developed extensive experience and consolidated relevant knowledge in this area. Our network remains committed to further support and offer expertise to EU and national policy makers for collectively making the ED a reality.
Read the full statement here:
