Working within the EHEA is underpinned by three key commitments:

1. the implementation of the three-cycle Bachelor-Master-Doctorate degree structure,
2. the recognition of qualifications in compliance with the Lisbon Recognition Convention while working towards automatic recognition in the EHEA and
3. quality assurance in compliance with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA.

In general, the proposed projects should support the implementation of the Bologna process, as well as its commitments, which are crucial for the further evolution of the EHEA.

In line with the Tirana Communiqué, adopted in May 2024 at the Ministerial Conference of the European Higher Education Area, this action will support projects working on one or more of the themes and priorities outlined in the Communique. These may cover, among others, support for: implementation of key commitments; setting up a longterm, independent, internationally staffed secretariat; the future-proof development of Bologna tools; the working structures established by the BFUG.

The activities, which can be eligible for funding, concern two types of projects. However, each submitted proposal can cover only one type of projects. Applicants are requested to mention inside their Application Form the type of project they are applying for:

Type 1 – Transnational cooperation projects

• Support actions to implement the work plan of the working structures established under the Bologna Follow-Up Group in the form of peer groups, advisory groups and working groups;
• Transnational peer support activities targeting any of the current member countries of the EHEA. These activities (peer learning, peer counselling, peer review etc.), should involve both national authorities and national stakeholders (higher education institutions, academics, students etc.) and where relevant consultative members of the EHEA;
• Countries that have sufficiently implemented a particular key commitment, or a specific part thereof, may deliver peer-to-peer support to other countries thatwant to better implement reforms related to that commitment. They may review and comment upon the policies in the countries currently facing implementation challenges and help them to draw up plans on how to overcome these challenges;
• Countries that have not yet fully implemented the key commitments may review the way the peers have implemented a key commitment-related reform including its impact. They should develop a publishable action plan, in line with the Tirana Communique, and be ready to discuss the actions that they will undertake to step up and fulfil the implementation process.

Other activities based on the cooperation of national authorities and relevant stakeholders can be, for example:

• Assistance to drafting legislation, or actions plans (i.e. on the tools of the EHEA to support implementation at national/regional/institutional level);
• Development of monitoring and relevant tools for instance based on digital instruments;
• Conferences, seminars or workshops in particular with the purpose to build a shared ownership and commitment between national authorities and stakeholders;
• Study visits and follow-up studies, analyses and dissemination material;
• Legal and administrative support (i.e. support for the design and implementation of a long-term secretariat).

Type 2 – Technical and administrative support
Provide professional support for the BFUG and its working structures by operating the BFUG Secretariat in accordance with the Terms of Reference agreed with the BFUG. It includes, among others, activities to:

• Provide administrative and operational support for the BFUG and its Board – including planning meetings, taking minutes, and sharing the minutes withing the agreed deadline;
• Assist the BFUG and its Board in the follow-up work – including planning of activities and following up on the BFUG decisions;
• Support all Working Groups, Advisory Groups and other structures, and on demand, preparing the draft reports;
• Carry out any special tasks concerning the implementation of the work programme of the European Higher Education Area;
• Assist with communication and knowledge sharing activities within the EHEA in line with the final report from the Task Force on Enhancing Knowledge Sharing in the EHEA Community.
• Maintain, review and update the European Higher Education Area website and archives;
• Act as an external and internal contact point for the European Higher Education Area;
• Share important messages with members and stakeholders;
• Prepare background discussion documents upon request (liaising with relevant authors as appropriate);
• Provide representation at external events upon request of the organisers;
• Support the preparation for the upcoming Ministerial Conference and the Global Policy Forum in cooperation with the host countries, under the supervision of the BFUG, which is responsible for the agenda of the Ministerial Conference.