"Erasmus Mundus", a new program, was launched under
the Italian Presidency. The program is in line with the primary
importance being given to development of European education in
co-operation with third countries. The Commission has given new
impetus to the dialogue among peoples and cultures and to the
recognition of the real potential for co-operation in higher education.
It has proposed that these aspects be promoted both within and
beyond the EU. The program, implemented for the 1 January 2004-31
December 2008 period, provides for the launching of an "Erasmus
Mundus" master plan, that is, a series of programs integrated
at the European level. The plan provides for the issuing of double/shared
degrees (for each one of which the participation of three institutions
of higher education from three different Member States will be
required).
Increased international mobility will be facilitated by the awarding
of scholarships for graduates from third countries and for teaching
scholars and by complementary measures guaranteeing international-level
quality and the recognition of European degrees abroad and in
third countries.
