EU Council adopts resolution on the future European degree label
Unite! welcomes this initiative as a step forward in strengthening transnational cooperation in higher education.
The Council of the European Union has taken a significant step toward the future of higher education in Europe with the formal adoption of measures paving the way for a joint European degree label. This milestone initiative is set to deepen academic cooperation across borders and elevate the global standing of European universities. For university alliances like Unite!, the move validates years of pioneering work in transnational education.
The Council adopted both a recommendation and a resolution outlining a vision and roadmap for a potential joint European degree, including the implementation of a new European degree label to be awarded to joint programmes co-developed by universities from at least two EU member states.
The joint European degree label will serve as a mark of academic excellence and integration, ensuring that quality standards are met across all participating institutions. It aims to support automatic recognition of qualifications and enhance student and staff mobility across Europe.
Unite! At the forefront of European integration in higher education
The Council’s move has been strongly welcomed by Unite!, one of the most active European University alliances fostering deep transnational cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. With member universities across nine several EU countries, Unite! has consistently pushed for collaborative academic models that reflect a unified European vision.
The Unite! alliance welcomes the Council’s adoption of the European Degree resolution. We are eager to advance this initiative by piloting innovative Joint Programmes that break down regulatory barriers and strengthen a truly European higher education area
Andreas Winkler, Unite! Secretary General
Unite! views the new European Degree label as both a validation of its work and an opportunity to scale up existing efforts. The alliance is already developing joint degrees and integrated curricula that align closely with the values and ambitions outlined by the Council—particularly in terms of quality assurance, student mobility, and automatic recognition of qualifications.
Looking toward 2029
The Council’s resolution lays out a structured roadmap for the rollout of the European Degree label, divided into three phases to be completed by 2029. It outlines concrete steps for implementing the label and mentions a long-term perspective towards a joint European degree.
The current focus on a label is a constructive way forward for Unite!. The alliance is well positioned to engage with upcoming funding opportunities linked to this process and plans to play an active role in piloting innovative joint programmes that contribute to the label’s development and success.