Brussels unveils plans for a European Degree but struggles to explain why

Graduates could soon be awarded a pan-European degree from a group of universities, as part of new plans unveiled by the European Commission.

Transcript

00:00 Students in Europe could soon earn a special European degree as part of new plans unveiled

00:07 by Brussels. Universities across the EU`s 27 countries would team up to offer joint

00:13 degree programs recognized everywhere across the bloc. The European Commission says the

00:18 scheme has huge potential.

00:21 This convinced will be the next big thing in the process of a Europe that is understandable.

00:29 The European degree will find its place next to Schengen, next to Erasmus, next to the

00:36 single market, next to the Euro as concrete European accomplishments.

00:44 But students would need to study in more than one EU country to get the degree. And with

00:49 no extra funding for the program, it`s unclear how the commission will ensure it`s accessible

00:55 to students of all social backgrounds and doesn`t become an elitist label.

01:01 I think that what we are doing here today is only contrary to an elitist approach.

01:08 It is all inclusive and open to anyone, to any university from any member state.

01:14 The commission says the proposal will complement Erasmus+, arguably the EU`s most recognizable

01:20 program in which it invests 26.2 billion euros over six years. And Erasmus students can receive

01:27 up to 390 euros in monthly grants.

01:32 But the plans could face hurdles. It is unclear how the degrees could be recognized given

01:37 that there is currently no automatic EU-wide recognition of academic diplomas. Some member

01:44 states also fear Brussels could be encroaching on their national competences.

01:49 [SWOOSH]