Transnational education in the Adriatic and Mediterranean regions: Regulation, quality assurance and information provision in 7 countries

This document has been developed in the framework of the MAReN project, which has the main objective of implementing the “Council Recommendation on promoting automatic mutual recognition of higher education and upper secondary education and training qualifications and the outcomes of learning periods abroad” in the countries of the Mediterranean region. MAReN stems from the experience of the AdReN project, and the present publication is the result of this synergy, providing the reader with a comparative overview of information on regulations, quality assurance and information provision in the 7 partner countries involved in both projects, in the Adriatic and Mediterranean region.
In this light, the state of play on transnational education (TNE) in MAReN partner countries (Croatia, Italy, France, Portugal and Spain) and the revised edition of the publication previously published in the framework of the AdReN project (partner countries: Croatia, Italy, Greece, Slovenia), have been analysed with the aim of gaining a better understanding of how and to what extent automatic recognition can be applied to TNE.

Webinar recording “QA agencies and ENIC-NARICs – cooperation models and opportunities”

There are various models of cooperation between quality assurance agencies and ENIC-NARIC centres. This webinar explored various approaches by presenting three different cases and discussing the particularities, advantages and challenges of each one.

In addition, the event explored the possible opportunities for enhancing cooperation, communication and information exchange.

This webinar was co-organised by ENQA and the ENIC-NARIC network.

Webinar recording “Unpacking recognition: from the basics to automatic recognition”

The second webinar of the EUA series “Toward Tirana 2024, the Bologna Process and developments in the EHEA” provided an overview of relevant documents and development in the field of academic recognition, i.e. recognition of qualifications and study periods for educational purposes. This event took place on 16 January 2024, from 14.00 to 15.00 CET.

Ever since the adoption of the UNESCO/Council of Europe Lisbon Recognition Convention in 1997, significant strides have been made in the European Higher Education Area (and beyond) towards fair, consistent and transparent recognition procedures. The Convention, which stipulates the basic principles for the recognition of qualifications and study periods among its signatories, is the only legal tool of the Bologna Process. However, it is far from the only milestone in supporting the Bologna Process’ vision of a Europe in which learners can move freely, without undue obstacles to their learning progress.

This webinar provided an overview of the most relevant developments and tools in academic recognition, from the 1997 Lisbon Recognition Convention to the 2018 Council Recommendation on promoting automatic mutual recognition and the 2019 Global Recognition Convention, which came into force in 2023. The event also reflected on some of the key issues that will shape the future of automatic recognition, such as the implications of artificial intelligence and micro-credentials.

Speakers:

• Katia Dolgova-Dreyer, Programme coordinator, Co-operation and Capacity building, Education Department, Council of Europe
• Vanja Gutovic, Secretary to the Global Recognition Convention, UNESCO
• Kinga Szuly,  Head of Sector – Higher Education Policy, European Commission

Helene Peterbauer, Policy Analyst for Institutional Development at EUA, moderated the webinar.

MAReN project – Mediterranean Recognition Network

The project MAReN– Mediterranean Automatic Recognition Network is co-funded by Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. Its main aim is to foster automatic recognition of qualifications in the Mediterranean region.