Abstract:

In order to achieve convergence in regional education, the idea of a European dimension of education has also been launched by a number of actions to accelerate this process of promoting citizens' mobility, creating joint academic programs, creating reforms for information exchange and language teaching. The Bologna Declaration (signed in 1999) aimed at creating the European Higher Education Area. However, convergence in education is a much more complex phenomenon behind economic convergence. In addition, the chances for national economies to move towards convergence within an expanded and competitive external market are difficult to achieve in the short term. It should be born in mind that in some contexts there may be mechanisms that stimulate divergence rather than convergence. Even if the systems are moving in the same direction, they start at different points and go at different speeds. The main objective of this study is to analyze the process of convergence in European higher education through the Bologna Process.

Firstly, a brief presentation of the Bologna process will be made from the perspective of its historical development and milestones, fundamental objectives, directions of action and measures taken to achieve the objectives. The following section provides a comparative overview regarding the stage of the implementation of the Bologna Process in the signatory countries, especially in Romania.

The present study also seeks to analyze the main trends in higher education funding in the EHEA to determine whether Member States can discuss a convergence or divergence in the governance of educational practices and policies.

Keywords:

Legislative Governance, European Educational System, Bologna Process, EHEA member states.