Future4Alliances Project Gathered in Helsinki to Strengthen the Development of Joint Programmes

The objective of the three-day visit was to examine how national and institutional structures can support joint programmes, joint degrees and the emerging Joint European Degree Label (JEDL).

The visit formed part of the Future4Alliances work package focusing on the legal and administrative conditions required for joint programmes. The event provided participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences, identify barriers and explore solutions that support deeper European cooperation in higher education. Three-Day Programme Showcased the Development of Joint Programmes at Different Levels

Strategic Opening: National and European Perspectives

The first day focused on the strategic landscape and national updates. Participants received a comprehensive overview of the Finnish higher education system, whose dual model and broad participation in the European Universities alliances provide a strong foundation for international cooperation.

The European Commission perspective was presented by Yann-Maël Bideau, who highlighted the importance of joint degree programmes in strengthening European skills and competitiveness. A key element of the day was an extensive tour de table, during which representatives from different countries shared updates on the progress of joint programmes and the Joint European Degree Label.

The presentations illustrated different national approaches to joint degrees and programmes, including Austria’s flexible legislative framework, France’s extensive experience with joint and double degrees, Flanders’ institutional autonomy, and Serbia’s perspectives on common challenges and the opportunities offered by the JEDL label.

A contribution from the inter-alliance FOREU4ALL project complemented the discussion from the alliances’ perspective and highlighted the need to strengthen structural dialogue between national authorities and university alliances.

Institutional Practices and Alliance Solutions

The second day focused on practical implementation through campus visits. Aalto University (Unite!) and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (U!REKA) presented how joint degree programmes are designed and implemented as part of their alliances’ strategic work. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Ulysseus) highlighted the role of industry partnerships in programme development.

Discussions also addressed practical challenges, including student status, alignment of academic calendars, degree certificate practices and digital interoperability. While some challenges stem from legislative constraints in different countries, many barriers are also linked to institutional practices and interpretations of existing legislation.

Quality Assurance, Case Studies and Future Directions

The third day focused on quality assurance. The Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC/Karvi) presented Finland’s external quality assurance model, in which institutional audits and self-accreditation provide a flexible foundation for developing joint programmes. The presentation also highlighted the growing importance of the European Approach accreditation framework and its connection to the Joint European Degree Label.

The University of Eastern Finland (YUFE) presented a case study of the Erasmus Mundus programme IMLEX, which has successfully undergone a European Approach review and serves as an example of quality assurance for a multinational joint degree.

The case study highlighted:

• The benefits of the European Approach review for programme development
• The opportunities offered by digital degree certificates
• The potential of the Joint European Degree Label in student recruitment and visibility

At the end of the day, participants reflected on which barriers need to be addressed at national level and which require action at the European level. Discussions emphasised the need for stronger dialogue between ministries, national authorities and alliances to facilitate the transition from policy discussions to practical implementation.

Key Findings

• Joint programmes are a clear strategic priority across the European University Alliances.
• Legislative barriers have decreased, but practical challenges such as student status, degree certificate practices, academic calendars and digital interoperability remain significant.
• The Joint European Degree Label is moving towards implementation, and the first programmes received the label in summer 2026.
• A future Joint European Degree may emerge through practical solutions without the need for extensive legislative reforms.
• Some barriers are not legal in nature but relate to interpretations of legislation, institutional practices, or the limited use of existing flexibility.
• National multi-stakeholder working groups, such as Finland’s Ministry of Education and Culture working group on enabling conditions for European higher education cooperation, can play a significant role in identifying solutions.

The Erasmus+ Future4Alliances project seeks solutions not only to challenges related to joint programmes within the European Universities alliances, but also to issues concerning alliance funding and global cooperation. The project’s policy recommendations for the future development of university alliances will be published in early 2028. In Finland, the project partner is the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), while the Ministry of Education and Culture and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences participate as associated partners.