EDUCATION : COMMISSION REPORT WARNS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CUTS.

PositionConference notes

Ahead of a major ministerial higher education conference, on 11-12 March, a report prepared by education network Eurydice for the European Commission indicates that the economic crisis is impacting on enrolment rates, staffing and infrastructure as well as the continued development of lifelong learning. The study, presented on 8 March, sees "raw" budgetary numbers possibly impeding efforts to reach EU educational objectives set for 2020.

"If significant funding cuts are continued in some countries, the long-term sustainable development of these higher education systems could come under major stress," reads the study, presented by Androulla Vassiliou, the commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and youth. As regards those countries reporting a decreased budget, the study noted four countries signalling cuts of less than 5%, while seven countries (Croatia, Macedonia, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Moldova and Ukraine) notch up decreases in some cases extending significantly beyond 5%. The report also points out that, in the longer term, "re-adjustment" of public funding priorities may continue.

Ahead of the extraordinary ministerial anniversary' conference, co-hosted by Hungary and Austria, on 11-12 March in Budapest and Vienna, Vassiliou thus called for continued modernisation and increased quality in higher education. The ministerial conference aims to review the Bologna process aimed at establishing a European Higher Education Area. Vassiliou, presenting the new report, admitted that countries still face challenges in modernising higher education. This is a full decade after the launch of the so-called Bologna process.

Positively, though, the Commission believes that governments have, in general, demonstrated that they are aware of the social importance of higher education and have neither reduced student support nor scaled back enrolment in the higher education system during the economic crisis. "The focus on the social dimension and lifelong learning will be even more important through the next decade if the crucial goal to establish a Europe of knowledge is to be achieved," warns the report.

The report, using data provided by the 46 countries participating in the Bologna process, shows the range of differing reactions to the economic crisis(1). Whilst some states have made what the Commission itself admits are "radical" cutbacks in spending, others have invested more in higher education. Interestingly, the study pointed to 11...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT