| Author (Person) | Banks, Martin |
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| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.11, No.29, 28.7.05 |
| Publication Date | 28/07/2005 |
| Content Type | News |
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By Martin Banks Date: 28/07/05 MEPs will vote at the end of August on European Commission proposals to establish an EU-wide system of quality assurance in higher education. University education has traditionally been the preserve of national governments, but the Commission is trying to increase the scope of EU-wide standards. It has proposed a recommendation to facilitate mutual recognition in higher education, with the aim of making higher education in Europe a "trustworthier brand", not only for European students but also for students from other continents. The Commission proposal involves setting up a register of recognised and reliable quality assurance and accreditation agencies which will supervise the quality of universities according to an agreed set of standards, procedures and guidelines. Although recommendations are not legally binding they carry political weight, being the result of negotiations between member states and the European Parliament. Parliament's rapporteur on the issue, Slovenian centre-right MEP Ljudmila Novak, supports the Commission proposal but has put forward several amendments with the aim of securing more leeway for national education authorities. In her report, she says she prefers a wording which would leave member states some discretion in the choice of agency. "International accreditation and assessment should not replace, but complement, the national processes. The national ministry responsible should act as the competent authority for the licensing of higher education in accordance with the subsidiarity principle," she says. A Council of Ministers spokesman said: "These guidelines have been discussed by the Council's education committee and, in general, member states agree with them. However, we may seek clarification on the possible financial implications." Anticipation of a vote at the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee on a report by Slovenian centre-right MEP Ljudmila Novak on a European Commission proposal for a Recommendation on further European co-operation in quality assurance in higher education, 30 August 2005. |
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| Source Link | http://www.european-voice.com/ |
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| Subject Categories | Culture, Education and Research |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
