Arqus plays a key role in shaping the European Degree Label at FOREU4ALL’s first workshop

From 3 to 5 December 2025, Alessandra Gallerano (University of Padua) and Ulrike Krawagna (University of Graz) represented Arqus at the first FOREU4ALL workshop, entitled “Putting the European Degree Label into Action: Bridging Policy and Practice“.

The event was hosted at Ca’ Foscari University Venice and co-organised by the FOREU4ALL Topical Groups (“European Degree and Joint Programmes” and “Quality Assurance”) and the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

The workshop brought together representatives from over 60 European University Alliances to discuss the implementation of the joint European Degree Label, its criteria and practical methods for verification. Through an engaging mix of panel discussions, poster sessions, and co-creation workshops, participants collaborated on key topics, strengthening a committed expert community ready to turn policy into practice.

During the assembly, special attention was paid to the Degree Label verification criteria and the necessity of integrating this process into existing frameworks to avoid duplication and additional bureaucratic burdens. Supporting high-quality joint degree programmes that uphold European values, aligning quality assurance with the ESG and the European Approach, and fostering trust, recognition, and labour-market relevance—all while protecting academic freedom, were the main themes discussed.

This workshop provided a unique space for joint programme coordinators, QA experts, alliances, policymakers and student representatives to work collaboratively on solutions that make joint programmes easier to create and sustain. The discussions and outcomes marked a significant step toward ensuring the European Degree Label becomes a sustainable reality across the continent.