Coimbra Group publishes Statement in Support of the European Degree

As the European higher education sector continues to evolve, the Coimbra Group has published a statement ahead of the Education Committee meeting, which took place on 3 and 4 February 2025, calling on all stakeholders to maintain momentum in the development of the European Degree (ED). This initiative represents a significant step towards the modernisation and strengthening of higher education in Europe.

The statement highlights key aspects of the European Degree:

• Enhanced Competitiveness – Strengthening the global reputation of European higher education in research and teaching.
• Benefits for Students – Providing future-oriented skills and promoting academic mobility, ensuring that graduates are prepared for an ever-evolving job market.
• Innovation in Academia – Encouraging interdisciplinary curricula and fostering collaboration among faculty members to drive institutional transformation.

• A Collaborative Vision – Building on successful initiatives such as the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM), the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA), the Erasmus+ pilot projects (ED-AFFICHE & EDLab), and the European Universities Initiative. These programmes have demonstrated the effectiveness of models like the ED, benefiting students, higher education institutions, public and private employers, and society at large by developing essential future skills through the interconnection of research and teaching.

Lusófona University supports the Coimbra Group’s statement, recognising the importance of ensuring the continuity and development of joint European education frameworks. The experience gained through initiatives such as the European Universities Initiative has shown that structured transnational collaboration can create high-impact educational models. Lusófona University remains committed to contributing to this transformation, advocating for policies that promote innovation and excellence in higher education.

You can read the full statement here.