The project Effective partnership for enhanced recognition/EPER is aimed at creating partnerships and synergies for the full implementation of the Lisbon Convention on the recognition of qualifications in higher education in the region of Europe (hereinafter: Lisbon Convention) in Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project started on May 1, 2019, and will last until April 30, 2021. The partners in the project are the competent authorities for the recognition of foreign higher education qualifications from Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.
The Bologna Process Implementation Report 2018 clearly showed that the countries of Southeast Europe do not implement the Lisbon Convention on the recognition of qualifications in a uniform manner nor have they equally developed procedures for the recognition of foreign higher education qualifications. For this reason, there is a need for regional connectivity, exchange of experiences, and good practices.
The project partner countries will have the opportunity to strengthen their capacities for the full implementation of the Lisbon Convention on recognition and better understanding of its principles. They will also learn how to overcome the challenges they face in the processes of recognizing foreign higher education qualifications. The project will create a foundation for achieving progress at the national level and encourage future joint cooperation in the field of recognition of foreign higher education qualifications.
The project activities are focused on:
- improving recognition procedures and progress in the implementation of the Lisbon Convention;
- developing a Compendium of examples of good practices and experiences in the EU;
- creating a Guide for the implementation of the Recommendation on the recognition of qualifications of refugees and displaced persons;
- raising awareness of the need for full implementation of the Lisbon Convention;
- laying the groundwork for ongoing regional cooperation in the field of recognition of qualifications.