Bolognasáttmálinn

Bolognasáttmálinn, also known as the Bologna Process, is a series of ministerial meetings and agreements between European countries aimed at harmonizing the structure of higher education across the continent. The primary goal is to create a more comparable, compatible, and competitive European higher education area. This process began in 1999 with the signing of the Bologna Declaration in Bologna, Italy.

Key features of the Bologna Process include the adoption of a three-cycle degree system (bachelor's, master's, and doctorate), the introduction of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) to facilitate student mobility and recognition of qualifications, and the development of a common framework for quality assurance. The process also emphasizes lifelong learning and the employability of graduates.

Over time, the number of participating countries has grown significantly, and the Bologna Process has influenced higher education reforms in many nations. While it has been praised for fostering student and staff mobility and enhancing the international recognition of European degrees, it has also faced criticism regarding its impact on academic diversity and the potential for a "one-size-fits-all" approach to education. The process continues to evolve through ongoing ministerial conferences and working groups.