Toward a permanent Bologna secretariat?

Abstract

The question of a permanent Bologna Secretariat has been raised both within and outside of the BFUG, mostly after the 2015 Ministerial conference and as an element of the discussion of "the EHEA after 2020". So far, discussions have mainly identified a number of obstacles. The article explores both political and practical aspects of establishing a more permanent Bologna Secretariat. Politically, whatever structure is chosen for the Secretariat needs to enable Ministers, the BFUG, and other key actors to develop and implement their priorities for the EHEA for the next period, realistically 2023-2030, since a permanent Secretariat cannot be established already from 2020. The organization of the Secretariat will have a clear impact on the shape of the EHEA and its policy making bodies and structures. The paper outlines the key tasks for the Secretariat, its formal status and considerations for deciding on its location; financial, staff; governance issues; and relations between the Secretariat and the authorities of the country hosting it as well as with those of the countries hosting Ministerial conferences.While the paper does not argue that a "permanent" Bologna Secretariat is the only possibility, it does explore and propose solutions to key obstacles and demonstrates that if it is judged politically desirable to establish more permanent Secretariat, it is practically possible to do so. The paper also lays a solid basis for developing such a Secretariat".