The goal of the Bologna Process, named after the place of its proposal, was to create a standardized and quality system for achieving a degree in Europe. Until this time it was difficult to compare degree standards. It was initially signed by 29 European countries in 1999 but was opened to new signatories in 2001, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Goals were ease in inter-country for further study or employment; increase attractiveness of European higher education to foreigners; provide a quality knowledge base to promote Europe as a stable, peaceful, tolerant country benefiting from it’s education system; and decrease the distance between US and European higher education by adopting aspects of the American system.

Though many look at the Bologna Process as a positive measure it does have critics. One problem is it’s lack of differentiation between vocational and academic higher education. It is particularly problematic when compared to the old engineers degree. Vocational students who wish to advance to a masters degree are disadvantaged because they have only received three years degrees. This makes a master’s degree the minimum qualification to be a professional engineer; it had been the bachelor’s degree. Three-year academic degrees would also give the same title as a full vocationally-trained engineer though they would not be fully prepared to fill that role.