Coimbra Group Statement: Why We Need the European Degree Now
03 February 2025
Ahead of the meeting of the Education Committee on 3-4 February 2025, Coimbra Group publishes a statement urging all actors to keep the momentum going. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the European Degree represents a bold initiative to renew and transform higher education across Europe.
Key highlights include:
- A Collaborative Vision: The European Degree (ED) builds on successful initiatives like Erasmus Mundus, MSCA and the European Universities Initiative. We believe that by engaging a wide array of stakeholders – from higher education institutions to national authorities – we can collectively make this vision a reality.
- Enhanced Competitiveness: The ED is designed to elevate the global attractiveness of European higher education and reinforce our institutions’ reputations in both research and teaching.
- Student Benefits: By providing future-proof skills and promoting academic mobility, the ED will ensure that students are well-prepared to thrive in an ever-changing labor market.
- Innovation in Academia: The initiative encourages innovative, interdisciplinary curricula and fosters a culture of collaboration among academic staff, driving cultural change within our institutions.
The Coimbra Group supports the development of the European Degree as a vital step towards a more integrated and innovative European higher education landscape. By reinforcing student mobility, enhancing research-based curricula, and ensuring long-term collaboration between institutions, the ED has the potential to transform higher education across Europe.
Our network stands ready to contribute expertise and work alongside EU policymakers to turn this vision into reality. The momentum is now, we cannot afford to wait any longer!
Read the full statement below: