Belarus takes a step towards becoming part of the Bologna Process. That much is clear after last weekend’s ministerial conference in Yerevan, Armenia.
For several years, there have been discussions on letting Belarus be a part of the Bologna Process, a collaboration that makes exchanges between European centres of learning easier. During last weekend’s ministerial conference on education, which focused on improving the Bologna Process, it was decided that Belarus will be given an opportunity to partake if they meet the requirements.
Photo: Archive/Carl-Johan Kullving
This is something that Elisabeth Gehrke, Chairperson of the European Students’ Union, ESU, criticises.
“In our opinion, it is too early to let Belarus take part. They have been given a conditional membership, and by 2017 at the latest, they have to prove that they meet the requirements to join the Bologna Process. Now, they can attend the meetings, but they still have much to work with”, Elisabeth Gehrke says.
“Students are abused”
The discussion on whether Belarus would be granted membership was heated. Some were of the opinion that it should be seen as active aid work, while others warned that it was only a national grab for votes by the Belarusian president, leading up to the presidential elections in November.
“They have to implement the reforms and make it easier for students to move between countries. Today, for example, a certificate from the Minister of Education is required for going on exchange. In addition, it is not unusual for students to be abused and shut out of lecture rooms if they engage in political activities. Belarus has a lot to work with, and that is why we hold that this wasn’t a good decision at the moment”, Elisabeth Gehrke says.
Increase in broadened recruitment
Leading up to the minister meeting, ESU had directed sharp criticism towards the member states regarding lacking follow-ups of previous decisions and bad implementations of reforms inside the Bologna Process.
“We want to see better follow-ups of the social dimension among the member states, which, among other things, include student support and a broader recruitment. During the meeting, it was decided that reforms for under-represented groups in higher education would be prioritised, which we welcome”, Elisabeth Gehrke says.
The next minister meeting on European higher education will be held in May 2018.
Text: Carl-Johan Kullving
Translation: Carl-William Ersgård
