In a run-up to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) Ministerial Conference next month in Tirana, Rome hosted two events that highlighted the importance of enhancing academic recognition processes under the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

On April 23, 2024, the 7th meeting of the EHEA Thematic Peer Group on the implementation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention took place.  The meeting brought together key stakeholders from ENIC-NARIC Centres and competent public authorities. Participants had the opportunity to share new experiences, practices and initiatives on one of the key commitments of the Bologna Process linked to the implementation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention. Catherine Dolgova Dreyer, the Head of Higher and Further Education Unit, had a chance to share a policy perspective on the European Qualifications Passport for Refugees, a successful Council of Europe initiative, which brings together 22 countries of the European Higher Education Area.

The following day, April 24, saw a shift in focus towards the digitalisation of recognition processes. The seminar on “Digital Solutions for the Recognition Agenda” provided an opportunity for the Council of Europe representative to outline the progress made by the Education Department in the Digital Transformation of Education to meet the goals set by the 2030 Council of Europe Education Strategy.