The London Communiqué of 2007
One Step Closer to Creating a European Higher Education Area
Sep 21, 2009
The educational objectives outlined in the Bologna Declaration of 1999 have been reviewed and assessed three times – first in the Prague Communiqué in 2001, again in the Berlin Communiqué in 2003, and then in the Bergen Communiqué in 2005. During the Bergen Conference, the Ministers of Higher Education ordered assessment reports in four priority areas before the next scheduled assessment in London.
The London Conference
On May 17, 2007, European Ministers from 45 signatory countries met in London to review progress in the Bologna Process since the 2005 Bergen Conference. To assist the Ministers in their review, a follow-up report (“Bologna Process Stocktaking: London 2007”) was prepared and submitted to the London Conference by the Bologna Follow-Up Group (BFUG).
The BFUG report (2007) summarized three key findings from their assessment. First, “good progress” in meeting objectives had been made since the Bergen Conference. Second, although achieving a European Higher Education Area (EHEA) by 2010 was probable, “some challenges” still needed to be faced. Third, stocktaking had become “an integral part of the Bologna Process strategy.”
Assessing the Bologna Process Objectives
In 2005, the 10 educational objectives that had been adopted between 1999 and 2003 were consolidated into four new areas. The BFUG report, however, cautioned against viewing specific objectives in isolation because “all aspects of the Bologna Process are interdependent.” In general, objectives were intended to focus on learners as much as on learning outcomes.
At the Bergen Conference, the European Ministers had asked for reports in four priority areas. Upon reviewing the BFUG report, substantial progress was confirmed in all areas:
- Educational Quality Assurance: The guidelines suggested by the European Network of Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) had been adopted on a “widespread basis.” Even though student involvement in quality assurance had “grown significantly since 2005,” more work was needed to encourage true international participation.
- National Frameworks for Degree Qualification: Frameworks consistent with the EHEA goals had begun to be instituted on national levels, although the extent of implementation was rudimentary. Although not all signatory countries had adopted the guidelines recommended by the 1997 Lisbon Recognition Convention, countries were developing national action plans and removing legal barriers to the awarding of joint degrees. As a result, the European Ministers noted the “potential for a significant increase in the number of joint degrees awarded in two or more countries.”
- Three-Cycle Degree System: By 2007, the three-cycle degree system was in an “advanced stage of implementation.” Movement from one degree cycle to the next was progressing smoothly, while more structured doctoral programs were being offered in most signatory countries. Although flexible learning paths were present in all countries, some were more developed than others and included formal procedures to recognize prior learning. As a result, more work remained in this area.
- Linking Higher Education and Research: The European Ministers noted that more countries were planning to increase the number of doctoral candidates, while encouraging greater links between “the higher education and research sectors.”
Setting Future Priorities for the Bologna Process
At the London Conference, the European Ministers agreed that the stocktaking process begun in Berlin should continue. By 2009, the Ministers directed that the BFUG should expand stocktaking to include data on the three-degree system, employability of graduates, recognition of degrees and study periods, and “implementation of all aspects of quality assurance.” In addition, the European Ministers requested detailed data about academic mobility, the social dimension, and the global progress of the EHEA.
Finally, the European Ministers agreed to admit the Republic of Montenegro for membership.
From London to Leuven
The results from the 2007 meeting were published as the London Communiqué. By this time, 46 signatory countries had approved the principles of the Bologna Declaration. Among the Council of Europe, only San Marino and Monaco had not signed the Bologna Declaration.
The 2009 assessment of the Bologna Process was scheduled to be held in Leuven/Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
References
London Communiqué. "Towards the European Higher Education Area: responding to challenges in a globalised world."Communiqué of the Conference of European Ministers Responsible for Higher Education. London, 17–18 May, 2007. Bologna Process website.
London Conference. "Welcome to the Bologna Process" Bergen London website (1 July 2005 – 30 June 2007). Conference of European Ministers Responsible for Higher Education. Bergen, 17–18 May, 2007.
Bologna Follow-Up Group. "Bologna Process Stocktaking: London 2007." Report from a working group appointed by the Bologna Follow-up Group to the Ministerial Conference in London, 17–18 May 2007.
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