European Universities Initiative Sample Clauses

European Universities Initiative harmonisation and the attempt to create European institutions 9 3. Scope and methodology 11

European Universities Initiative harmonisation and the attempt to create European institutions ERUA is part of the European Commission’s ‘European Universities Initiative’ (EUI), which constitutes the most recent expression of the aim of convergence and compatibility to increase European attractiveness and competitiveness in higher education. The Bologna process paved the way for an ambitious programme to significantly accelerate – deepen and widen – transnational collaboration. Variously described as either a game-changer, or the canary in the coalmine, the EUI builds on the achievements of over two decades of European collaboration in higher education and research towards the establishment of the European (Higher) Education and Research Areas (EEA & ERA). While implementation and capacity across the European region remain uneven, the EUI presents a significant leap in terms of ambition: from mutual recognition to mutualisation and ultimately the creation of ‘European institutions’ (cf. also shared infrastructures, legal statute, European degree etc.). The EUI, therefore, emphasises the importance of a shared long-term strategic vision for collaboration at alliance level. Thus, the alliance is situated in a European context, where ambitious efforts towards mutualisation are strategic goals.