This week, Budapest will host the XCIII BFUG meeting, and the first on of the new cycle 2024-2027, marking an important moment for the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Hungary is hosting this meeting as part of its Presidency of the EU Council, and the next meeting will take place in Poland, the upcoming Presidency holder. The gathering, scheduled for the 26th and 27th of September, will focus on several key topics essential to the future of higher education in Europe.
Key discussions will revolve around the adoption of the EHEA work programme for 2024-2027, the implementation of the Tirana Communiqué, and the evolving role of the EHEA Secretariat. Additionally, there will be discussion focused on the European Degree (label) and its potential synergies with existing EHEA tools. EURASHE remains actively involved as a consultative member in shaping these discussions and advancing the priorities of the applied higher education sector.
A critical point for EURASHE and applied higher education institutions will be the implementation of the Tirana Communiqué, which emphasises among others the need for flexible, properly delivered, quality-assured, and recognised learning paths. These learning paths must promote inclusion, upskilling, and reskilling, aligning with the requirements of learners, changing societies, and evolving labour markets. Of particular importance are the recognition of prior learning and the integration of new forms of education, such as micro-credentials. EURASHE is committed to fostering such flexible learning paths across all higher education programmes to serve diverse learner profiles better and meet future societal needs.
EURASHE is also going to propose that the BFUG shall introduce more content-focused discussions to stay aligned with the rapidly changing higher education landscape, and support the implementation of BFUG commitments with close ties to the reality of stakeholders. With increasing challenges related to digitalisation, evolving skills demands, and internationalisation, keeping dialogue fresh and relevant will be key to navigating these transformations.
