The European higher education area in 2024 Bologna process implementation report

Abstract

More than two decades after the launch of the Bologna Process, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is now evolving in a context where a series of major crises have arrived in quick succession: the COVID-19 pandemic followed by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, a cost of living crisis, various manifestations of climate emergency and war in Israel and Gaza following the atrocities committed on 7 October 2023. These crises pose challenges to society as a whole, and also have a major impact on higher education. Like other sectors, higher education may suffer social and economic consequences at a time of crisis. At the same time it also contributes – through teaching, research and assisting rational policy development – to finding a path towards a brighter future. The 2020 Rome Communiqué, emphasises this path, outlining a vision for an inclusive, innovative and interconnected EHEA by 2030, able to underpin a sustainable, cohesive and peaceful Europe. This report shows where steps have been taken, and gives some indication of the distance still to travel. The report is divided into six self-contained but inter-related chapters, giving a snapshot of the European Higher Education Area, and assessing how far policy commitments have been implemented.