New Zealand and the Bologna Process

24THE BOLOGNAENVIRONMENT: Bologna’sInternational StrategyPurposeA key objective at the outset of the Bologna reforms was to promote theattractiveness of European higher education. The International Strategyformalises the ‘external dimension’ of the Bologna Process.AboutAt their London meeting in 2007, Ministers adopted the strategyThe European Higher Education Area in a Global Setting. Thiscommits them to:• improving information on, and promoting the attractiveness andcompetitiveness of the EHEA• strengthening cooperation based on partnership• intensifying policy dialogue, and• improving recognition.SignificanceThe Bologna reforms have created considerable interest in many parts of theworld, and stimulated discussion between European and internationalpartners on a range of issues. These include the recognition of qualifications,the benefits of cooperation and the underlying values of the Bologna Process.Efforts have been made in some countries in other parts of the world to bringtheir higher education systems more closely in line with the Bolognaframework. The International Strategy provides countries external to theBologna Process with an opportunity to further engage with the reforms.IssuesIncreasing the attractiveness of European higher education is one of thecore principles of the Bologna Process. However some Bologna countries(e.g. the United Kingdom) already have a very strong brand internationally.Germany, France and the Netherlands are all investing considerably intheir national positioning in the global community.