Arqus participates today in the European Degree Workshop organised at the University of Pavia

Professor Mara Thiene, Joint Degree and International Ranking Delegate, at the University of Padua, and representative of the Arqus Alliance, is participating in the highly anticipated European Degree Workshop, hosted by the University of Pavia on 21 January 2025. 

This pivotal event will bring together leading experts from across Europe to explore the future of the European Degree, a new qualification designed to foster deeper cross-border cooperation in higher education.

As Europe moves closer to implementing the European Degree, a groundbreaking initiative to create a joint qualification recognized across the EU, the importance of collaborative degree programs between universities from multiple countries has never been more critical. The European Commission’s plan, building on successful pilot projects like the EDLab Project, aims to streamline joint degree offerings by eliminating legal and administrative barriers. The European Degree promises to enhance student mobility, boost employability, and equip graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving global job market.

The European Degree Workshop features a series of insightful presentations and panel discussions, with contributions from prominent figures in academia and policy. Among the key speakers, Yann-Maël Bideau, Representative of the European Commission’s DG Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture, will provide an update on the Commission’s vision for the European Degree.

Professor Thiene is participating in the panel “The Future of the European Degree: A European Alliances Perspective”, where she is highlighting the Arqus Alliance’s contributions to joint degree programs and sharing her expertise in fostering international collaboration in higher education. She is joined by other distinguished experts, including Meritxell Chaves from the CHARM-EU Alliance, Antonella Forlino from the EC2U Alliance, and Kurt Willems from the Una Europa Alliance. Together, they are exploring how alliances are paving the way for a more integrated and competitive European higher education system.

Following the panel, a roundtable session will dive into institutional perspectives on the European Degree, featuring contributions from Prof. Patrizio Bianchi, former Minister of Education, and representatives from the EC2U Rectors’ Group. This discussion will provide insights into the current state and future prospects of the European Degree framework.

The event presents a valuable opportunity to engage with leading voices in European higher education, offering perspectives on how joint degree programs can be expanded, academic mobility can be strengthened, and shared qualifications can enhance employability and academic excellence.

For those unable to attend in person, the event in being streamed live on the EC2U YouTube channel, ensuring the important conversations surrounding the European Degree reach a broader audience. This event underscores the Arqus Alliance’s commitment to advancing international cooperation and educational excellence within the European Higher Education Area.