The Bologna Process, implemented within the framework of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), aims to ensure the compatibility of higher education systems among member countries, as well as to promote the quality and inclusiveness of higher education. The 2024-2027 action plan, adopted at the Tirana Ministerial Conference in 2024, defines the priorities for this period, with thematic and working groups serving as instruments for their implementation. On behalf of Georgia, the LEPL - National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) participates in both thematic and working groups. Since 2025, NCEQE has been represented in the following thematic and working groups:

• Thematic Peer Group on Qualifications Framework (TPG A on QF);
• Thematic Peer Group on the Lisbon Recognition Convention (TPG B on LRC);
• Thematic Peer Group on Quality Assurance (TPG C on QA);
• Thematic Peer Group on the Social Dimension (TPG D on SD);
• Working Group on Internationalization and Mobility;

Thematic Peer Group on Qualifications Framework (TPG A on QF)

The Thematic Peer Group on Qualifications Framework was established in 2018 with the aim of implementing one of the main commitments of the Bologna Process: the introduction of a three-cycle higher education system based on learning outcomes and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), compatible with the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA).

Georgia serves as a co-chair of this thematic group, alongside France and Latvia.

Thematic Areas of TPG A on Qualifications Framework

The thematic areas of TPG A include the following:

• Self-certification of the National Qualifications Framework against the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA);
• Full implementation of the ECTS Users’ Guide;
• Short-cycle higher education;
• The multifaceted purpose of the qualifications framework and its use by stakeholders;
• Educational programs that do not fit within the three-cycle Bologna structure;
• The interrelation between the qualifications framework and quality assurance;

For more information,  https://ehea.info/page-peer-group-A-QF

Thematic Peer Group on the Lisbon Recognition Convention (TPG B on LRC)

The Thematic Peer Group on the Lisbon Recognition Convention (TPG B on LRC) was established in 2018 under the Paris Communiqué. Its necessity was reaffirmed in 2024 by the Tirana Communiqué, which emphasized the recognition of qualifications across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This objective is pursued through the implementation of the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention, aiming to achieve automatic recognition within the EHEA.

The purpose of the thematic group is to assist countries in creating and/or strengthening legal frameworks to effectively implement the obligations outlined in the Lisbon Recognition Convention. This includes ensuring the smooth recognition of qualifications, enhancing mobility for students and professionals (graduates who hold a profession/qualification and practice it in another country after recognition), and refining digital tools to simplify the recognition process and increase the effectiveness of the diploma supplement.

For 2025 - 2027, the thematic group will focus on specific areas, including:

• Establishing a legal framework to assist countries in implementing the Lisbon Recognition Convention;
• Defining roles and responsibilities among competent authorities/institutions involved in the recognition of qualifications, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge and skills;
• Automatic recognition;
• Alternative pathways/mechanisms for the recognition of qualifications;
• Recognition of qualifications received by refugees;
• Optimizing the use of digital technologies in the recognition process;

The co-chairing countries of the thematic group are Italy, France, and Ukraine.

For more information, see: https://ehea.info/page-peer-group-B-LRC

Thematic Peer Group on Quality Assurance (TPG C on QA)

Since 2018, within the framework of the Bologna Process, the Thematic Peer Group on Quality Assurance (TPG C on QA) has been established to support the implementation of the core quality assurance commitments in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). This commitment, reaffirmed in the Tirana Communiqué, aims to promote a culture of quality in higher education. It is based on quality assurance processes that are aligned with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the EHEA (ESG).

The thematic group works to assist EHEA member countries in implementing reforms. It serves as a platform for sharing experiences, both for countries that have successfully implemented quality assurance commitments and for those that are still working on their implementation.

The co-chairing countries of this thematic group are Armenia, France, and Romania.

For more information, see:

https://ehea.info/page-peer-group-C-QA

Thematic Peer Group on the Social Dimension (TPG D on SD)

Established in 2018, the Thematic Peer Group on the Social Dimension (TPG D on SD) supports the effective implementation and monitoring of the principles and guidelines for strengthening the social dimension of higher education within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The group plays a key role in assessing progress in fulfilling these commitments, facilitates peer learning among member countries and advisory organizations, and ensures reporting on their implementation.

The group was established following the Tirana Ministerial Conference, as a continuation of previous working groups on the social dimension (2018 - 2020 and 2021- 2024). In the Tirana Communiqué, Ministers committed to addressing socio-economic challenges faced by students, including rising living costs and difficulties in student housing, providing accessible student support services, creating inclusive learning environments (including digital), promoting gender equality, and implementing measures to help students cover indirect study-related expenses.

Since achieving inclusiveness by 2030 was defined as one of the three main political commitments in the Rome Communiqué, the objective of this group is to support ongoing progress in strengthening equality and inclusion within the EHEA.

The co-chairing bodies of this group are the European Students’ Union, Latvia, and Malta.

For more information, see:  https://ehea.info/page-TPG-D-on-SD

Working Group on Internationalization and Mobility (WG)

The Working Group on Internationalization and Mobility (WG) was established for the 2024–2027 period under the framework of the Tirana Ministerial Conference. It is responsible for developing recommendations to strengthen student mobility within EHEA member countries and to make it more inclusive, balanced, and environmentally friendly (green).

The working group includes representatives from 33 European countries and various international organizations (ENQA, EUA, ESU, ETUCE, UNESCO, EURASHE, BUSINESS EUROPE). Compared to other Bologna working groups, this group is the most representative.

The objectives of the working group are to create an action plan on internationalization and mobility within the EHEA that:

• Supports member countries in internationalization to ensure that all students acquire international and intercultural competences;
• Examines the objectives of mobility, identifies barriers, and provides recommendations to address them;
• Prepares specific recommendations for inclusive, balanced, and green mobility;
• Includes clear definitions of terms to ensure a common understanding.

Additionally, the group facilitates the review of member countries’ strategies, organizes peer learning activities and experience-sharing events (PLA), and contributes to the commitment made at the Tirana Ministerial Conference to remove barriers and support physical mobility, aiming to achieve a 20% mobility rate.

The co-chairing countries of this working group are the Netherlands, Germany, Ukraine, and Moldova.

For more information, see: https://ehea.info/page-WG-on-IM