Bologna Implementation Coordination Group

The Bologna Implementation Coordination Group (BICG) is a small coordination group composed of representatives nominated by members and consultative members of the BFUG and the co-chairs of each of the Thematic Peer Groups (TPGs), responsible for coordinating the work of the TPGs.
The purpose of the BICG is to facilitate a coordinated implementation of the four identified topics: the three key commitments (ECTS and QFs; recognition; and quality assurance) as well as of social dimension of higher education. To achieve that, the BICG coordinates the work of the TPGs, and facilitates an exchange of experience and best practice between the TPGs. The BICG follows the peer support activities and reports to the BFUG and the BFUG Board on overall progress and any necessary revision of the peer support approach or methodology.

As provided for in the BICG (2024 - 2027) Terms of Reference, the specific tasks of the Bologna Implementation Coordination Group are:

• Coordinate the work of the TPGs;
• Follow-up on the peer support activities by keeping an overview of the composition and activities of the different groups;
• Seek to improve the Peer Support approach for the implementation of the Key Commitments and of the social dimension, including possible adjustments;
• Identify synergies in the work of the Thematic Peer Groups and ensure consistency and coherence of outcomes;
• Give the BFUG regular updates and an overview on the progress and effectiveness of the Peer Support Approach, based on the activities of the TPGs;
• Prepare recommendations for further actions to improve the implementation of the topics of the TPGs for consideration by the BFUG;
• Prepare a template, for approval by the BFUG, for the national action plans regarding implementation of the Tirana commitments, with focus on the four TPG topics;
• Ensure synergies between the national plans and the activities of the TPGs and their working plans.

In relation to the key commitments, the Tirana Communiqué stated: “As in Paris in 2018, we today reaffirm our three key commitments to be preconditions for the successful development and innovation of the EHEA, that is to:

• implement a three-cycle system of programmes and degrees, based on learning outcomes and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), compatible with the overarching qualifications framework of the EHEA (QF-EHEA);
• support the recognition of qualifications throughout the EHEA by implementing the Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Region (Lisbon Recognition Convention) and its principles, while working towards automatic recognition in the EHEA;
• promote a quality culture in higher education, fostered by fit-for-purpose quality assurance processes in line with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG).

The 2024 Bologna Process Implementation Report confirms and illustrates the still incomplete and uneven implementation of these key commitments, but also the important contribution of the Thematic Peer Groups under the guidance of the Bologna Implementation Coordination Group in improving the situation. ”

Therefore, to ensure that any remaining implementation gaps are addressed, and to promote knowledge-sharing activities related to the EHEA, ministers committed to devise and publishe national action plans.

Thematic Peer Groups work collaboratively to identify and implement further actions that will enhance the implementation of the Key Commitments within participating countries. Three members co-chair each of these groups, which report their progress to the BICG.
Key responsibilities for each TPG include:

• Developing and regularly updating their TPG Action Plans, based on national priorities and interest in peer learning activities, to reflect progress and address new developments.
• Organising peer learning activities, public events, staff mobility activities and other initiatives that boost the implementation of each commitment
• Guiding participating countries in developing and updating their own National Action Plans, ensuring alignment with TPG objectives.

The TPG Co-Chairs for the 2024-2027 period are:
TPG A: France, Georgia, Latvia.
TPG B: France, Italy, Ukraine.
TPG C: Armenia, France, Romania.
TPG D: ESU, Latvia, Malta.

Thematic Peer Group A on Qualifications Frameworks

Draft TPG A Action Plan

Specific thematic indications include topics such as:

• self-certification of the national qualification frameworks within the overarching Qualifications Framework of the EHEA;
• complete implementation of the ECTS User’s Guide;
• short cycle higher education;
• multiple purposes and use of the qualifications frameworks by the stakeholders;
• study programmes outside of the Bologna three-cycle structure;
• relationship between the qualifications frameworks and quality assurance.