The European Commission presented three initiatives (Blueprint of March 27, 2024) to promote a deeper and wider transnational cooperation between higher education institutions. The package represents a step towards the creation of a European degree.

The project for a European degree, in line with the objectives of the European Alliances, promotes innovative education with a view to simplifying and harmonising the accreditation of degrees.

The Blueprint proposes a concrete cooperation pathway and outlines support measures for European Union (EU) countries and their higher education systems to achieve a European degree and is based on the results of 6 pilot projects involving more than 140 higher education institutions from all EU countries.

CIVIS SMARTT project is one of six pilot projects. The objectives of the SMARTT project play a key role in advancing the European Commission's vision of a more integrated, dynamic and globally oriented European higher education landscape.

CIVIS, Europe's Civic University Alliance, in particular, identifies 11 preliminary recommendations to guide the discussions and implementation processes of a joint European degree.