Work programme of the Bologna Follow-Up Group 2005-2007

The activities of the Bologna Follow-Up Group

During the 2005-2007 period, BFUG meetings have helped develop understanding of specific aspects of the Bologna Process, supporting the implementation of the 10 Action Lines in all participating countries by 2010.
BFUG has also started to look ahead, giving some initial consideration to what support might be required and how the EHEA might develop over the longer term, to ensure it remains attractive and competitive in response to the new challenges that will inevitably arise.

Content for Bologna Expert - 18/05/2007

Partagez !

BFUG meetings

During the period 2005-07, BFUG, and its subset, the Bologna Board, has continued to meet regularly. Under the Chair of the UK, Austria, Finland and Germany, meetings took place on:

The Work Programme provided the basis of the agenda for each meeting, with Working Group Chairs, EUA, and ENQA (on behalf of E4) regularly presenting updates on their work, and seeking advice from BFUG on particular aspects of their tasks. Seminar organisers also provided feedback to BFUG, highlighting relevant issues for consideration.

Throughout, attendance at BFUG meetings has been good, with most of the 45 countries taking part in each meeting. For a few countries, participation in BFUG meetings has been irregular. If the Process is to remain successful, it will be important for all participating countries to take part in BFUG meetings and contribute to the delivery of the Work Programme, in the run up to 2010.

Interest in supporting the continuing development of the Bologna Process remains high, with two countries and one consortium of three countries expressing an interest in providing the Secretariat for 2007-2009, and hosting the 2009 Ministerial conference.

Role of Secretariat

The role of the Secretariat was also confirmed at the Manchester BFUG BFUG7_3 BFUG Secretariat - Proposed terms of reference. There, it was agreed that the Secretariat would:

provide administrative and operational support to BFUG and its Board – including planning meetings; preparing papers; and minute-taking
assist BFUG and its Board in the follow up work for the period July 2005 to June 2007 – including planning of activities and following up on BFUG decisions; supporting Bologna Working Groups and carrying out any special tasks concerning the implementation of the Work Programme
maintain the Bologna Secretariat website and archives
act as an external and internal contact point for the Bologna Process
provide representation at external events, in consultation with the BFUG Chair.

Over the 2005-2007 period, the Secretariat has supported all BFUG, Board and Working Group meetings and worked with the BFUG Chairs to ensure delivery of the Bologna Work Programme 2005-2007.

Source: Bergen to London 2007 - Secretariat Report on the Bologna Work Programme 2005-2007
Bologna Process between Bergen and London

Discussions at BFUG

Subject	Notes	Comments
Share expertise to build capacity at institutional and government level		Initial discussion at BFUG, October 2005; agreed Council of Europe and others would continue to offer support as appropriate.
Assisting the new participating countries to implement the goals of the Process		Initial discussion at BFUG, October 2005; Austria and Council of Europe organised an induction meeting for the new member countries in January 2006; report back was given at BFUG, April 2006.
Portability of grants and loans	Proposed by Netherlands	Initial discussion at BFUG 7, October 2005: it was agreed that the Netherlands, in conjunction with other interested parties, would prepare a proposal for further discussion. It was later agreed at BFUG 8 in April 2006 to form a Working Group.
Awarding professional and academic titles – using new three cycle degree system	Proposed by Slovenia	Following further reflection, Slovenia suggested discussion of this topic be deferred until a future date.
Future development of EHEA post 2010 – global and European competition/co- operation, academic mobility etc?	Proposed by UNESCO-CEPES	Link to initial discussion of BFUG October 2006: agreed to give further thought to description of EHEA and development beyond 2010 as part of the Communiqué Drafting Process.
Social dimension	Proposed by France and Germany	Link to discussion of proposals from Working Group on social dimension and data on the mobility of staff and students in participating countries.
European dimension (including joint degrees)	Proposed by France	Agreed at October 2006 BFUG that a discussion of the European Dimension, lead by France, would take place at the March 2007 BFUG.
Staff mobility	Proposed by EI - Pan European Structure	Link to discussion of proposals from Working Group on social dimension and data on the mobility of staff and students in participating countries.
Mobility	Proposed by ESIB and Germany	Link to discussion of proposals from Working Group on social dimension and data on the mobility of staff and students in participating countries.
Implementation of Quality Assurance standards and guidelines	Proposed by Germany	Link to update from ENQA on European Consultative Forum
Implementation of National Qualifications Frameworks	Proposed by Germany	Link to the report on implementation and further development of overarching qualifications framework.
Exploration of arrangements to support the Process in the future	Proposed by UNESCO-CEPES	Link to initial discussion of BFUG October 2006: agreed to give further thought to description of EHEA and development beyond 2010 as part of the Communiqué Drafting Process.
External relations - feedback from international events	Proposed by Austria	Include on BFUG agendas as and when required

Published: 18/05/2007 - Last modified: 10/08/2016