The ATHENA Alliance participated in the FOREU4ALL workshop “Putting the European Degree Label into Action: Bridging Policy and Practice”, held from 3 to 5 December 2025 at Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia. The event brought together European universities, alliances, quality assurance bodies, policymakers, and students to discuss the concrete implementation of the European Degree Label.
ATHENA was represented by Dr. Ilka Kureck (University of Siegen) and Laura Lopez (Université d´Orléans), who actively contributed to discussions on joint programmes, quality assurance, and the operational challenges linked to the European Degree Label.
Over the three days, participants explored how policy frameworks can be translated into institutional practice. Key sessions addressed the purpose and added value of the European Degree Label, quality assurance requirements, and practical tools for compliance. Panels featuring representatives from the European Commission, university alliances, quality assurance agencies, and student organisations highlighted both opportunities and ongoing challenges.
ATHENA representatives also took part in breakout sessions focused on embedding European Degree criteria into collaborative programme design, aligning quality assurance practices across alliances, and enabling existing joint programmes to qualify for the label. These exchanges provided valuable insights into different national and institutional contexts, reinforcing the importance of cross-alliance dialogue.
The workshop confirmed the European Degree Label as a key instrument for strengthening transnational cooperation in higher education. ATHENA’s participation reflects its continued commitment to developing high-quality joint programmes and contributing to a shared European approach to education, QA, and degree recognition.
