An online PLA on the enhancement of cooperation and work of ENIC/NARIC centres in the framework of the EPER project took place at the Qualifications Agency in Belgrade on 16 April 2021.
The objective of the PLA was the enhancement of regional cooperation between ENIC/NARIC centres and other key institutions from project partner countries through the networking of accredited higher education institutions and creating a database, as well as through harmonisation and enhancement of procedures for verification of the authenticity of diplomas acquired in project partner countries.
Head of Sector from the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education introduced participants to the topic emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation in the area of education as well as of cooperation between ENIC/NARIC centres. She also pointed out that the enhancement of the recognition policy is important for increased mobility and is tightly connected with the development of the quality assurance system in higher education, one of the most important features and drivers of change in the Bologna process countries.
Prof. Časlav Mitrović, PhD, director of the Qualifications Agency of the Republic of Serbia introduced participants to the work of the Agency and the ENIC/NARIC centre as its integral part, pointing out the Agency’s openness to cooperation.
Head of the Serbian ENIC/NARIC centre, held a presentation on the work of the Centre and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, especially due to different education systems and special characteristics of recognition procedures in each of the project partner countries. Ms Poledica proposed the development of a publication containing examples of good practice in the area of recognition in the countries of the region, which could be helpful for recognition procedures.
Coordinator of the Serbian ENIC/NARIC centre, gave a presentation on the networking of accredited higher education institutions from project partner countries and on creating a database. She pointed out that the cooperation between project partner countries is already good but it can always be improved. She also emphasized the need for creating a database of accredited HEIs of the countries of the region.
Coordinator of the Serbian ENIC/NARIC centre held a presentation on harmonisation and enhancement of procedures for verification of the authenticity of diplomas obtained in project partner countries with the possibility of introducing an online system of verification of authenticity. She pointed out that the fastest verification of the authenticity of diplomas can be carried out through the ENIC/NARIC network and it is free of charge.
Representatives of the Croatian ENIC/NARIC centre participated in a panel discussion on the topic of enhancement of cooperation between ENIC/NARIC centres in project partner countries. They pointed out the importance of a quick exchange of information and communication via e-mail. They also stressed out the importance of having information about the exact contact person they can rely on for a rapid exchange of information.
Representatives of the Centre for Information and Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (CIP), Bosnia and Herzegovina, pointed out that the majority of recognition procedures refers to project partner countries and that the regional platform for a quick exchange of information is needed. Regarding recognition procedures for refugees and persons without documentation on the qualification obtained mentioned that the “European Qualifications Passport for Refugees “, a result of the Council of Europe project, can be helpful in recognition procedures.
In the final part of the PLA, Prof. Siniša Đurašević, PhD, from the University of Belgrade, gave a speech on the topic of self-certification of the Serbian Qualifications Framework with the European Qualifications Framework, with reference to higher education. Prof. Đurašević presented his experience from the Working Group for the National Qualifications Framework as well as his experience in the Commission for academic recognition at the University of Belgrade.
The PLA ended with a conclusion on the need to carry on with regional cooperation. The project partners expressed hope that the next event organised in the framework of the EPER project will be live.
