The Bologna Process is an intergovernmental
process at European level. There are currently 47
signatory states, which define the European Higher
Education Area (EHEA).
Every two years
Ministerial Summits are organised in
order to assess the progress made within the EHEA and to decide on
the new steps to be taken. The 2012 Ministerial Summit will take place on
26-27 April in Bucharest, Romania.
In between Ministerial Conferences, Bologna Process activities
are overseen by the Bologna Follow-up Group (BFUG), which meets at
least once every six months, usually for one-and-a-half days. The
BFUG can establish working groups to deal with specific topics in
more details and, also, receives input from Bologna Seminars. The
BFUG is composed of the representatives of all members and
consultative members of the Bologna Process and is co-chaired by
the country holding the EU Presidency and a non-EU country,
rotating every six months.
The overall follow-up work is supported by a Secretariat,
provided by the country hosting the next Ministerial
Conference.
The aim of the Bologna Process is to consolidate the EHEA and to
promote the European system of higher education worldwide. There
are a number of key areas the process is focusing on to achieve its
aim.