Dear ENQA members and affiliates,

The Council Recommendation on a European quality assurance and recognition system in higher education was approved by the Council of the European Union on 12 May 2025. The approval of the Recommendation provides confirmation of an agreed policy direction being pursued through the European Education Area (EEA). The proposal for this Recommendation was first published in March 2024 by the European Commission as part of a package to facilitate international cooperation in higher education. However, the process of negotiation has led to some changes from the original text.

Alongside the Council Recommendation, the Council also adopted a complementary Resolution that outlines the Member States’ vision for a joint European degree label and proposes a roadmap towards a possible joint European degree, with three phases to be carried out by 2029.

ENQA is pleased to share a briefing note outlining the key elements of the recommendation and the resolution, and some reflections on the implications for quality assurance agencies

As the main driver of innovation and practice-sharing for quality assurance agencies in Europe, ENQA is committed to offering support to its members and the European Commission to facilitate implementation.

Best wishes,
ENQA Secretariat