Simultaneously with the European Higher Education Summit 2003 the first European Education Forum (EEF) takes place from 18th - 20th September in berlin, Germany. Whereas at the official summit at Berlin representatives of governments, of the EU-Commission, of student unions and of the national rectors’ conferences meet to debate the status quo and the further stages of the Bologna process, the first EEF is an open forum for all people concerned with the European education policy. Following the social forums in Porto Alegre and Florence we like to offer a platform for critical and alternative discussions from “below” about the future of the European education policy.

The development of the European education policy is for most learners and teachers a closed book. Maybe the term ‚Bologna Process’ is known – but what does it stand for? What does the introduction of European co-operation in quality assurance, the introduction of a common degree level system for undergraduates (Bachelor’s degree) and graduates (Master’s and doctoral degree), the introduction of a system of credits or the establishment of the European Area of higher education mean for the concerned people?

On 18th and 19th September the EEF offers workshops, lectures and penal discussions concerning these questions. Different aspects of European education policy will be pointed out and their development will be analysed and discussed critically. Among the analysis and the criticism of the current education policy, the focus lies on the development of alternatives. The forum is organized in four subject areas: Access to education, society and education, possibilities of participation and internationalization.
On 20th September right after the forum there will be a demonstration against the increasing commercialization, de-democratization and marginalization of education.

Everybody who’s interested is invited to the first European Education Forum: It’s possible just to participate in one of the workshops but also to offer a self-organized workshop in one of the subject areas.

The EEF is organized and supported by the European network ‘Education is not for sale’, attac campus, the federal school student union, several German student union executive committees, European Unions of Students and many other organizations and individuals.

For more information please write an email to  info@eef2003.org or take a look at our website  http://www.eef2003.org .