Müllers welcomes European higher education initiative but warns against narrowing the field

Talking about the new higher education initiative published by the European Commission on 20th September CESI General Secretary Helmut Müllers said, “Of course we approve all of the Commission's measures which support the education policies of the member states.” CESI also engages in intense social dialogue in matters of higher education in Europe. “We share the opinion of the Commission that we must do more for greater excellence in Europe. We also see an urgent need for action in other areas, not just at the top.” The pattern of many young graduates heading straight from university into unemployment can't go on, said Müllers. “Youth unemployment is one of the greatest dangers facing Europe.”

According to CESI General Secretary Müllers, the continued championing of excellence is key to ensuring that there is still potential for innovation at times of demographic change in the future. At the same time, the independence of higher education institutions must be safeguarded. He also thinks that the Commission is placing too much emphasis on the needs of the market. “Job markets change very quickly these days. It would be a huge mistake to make the educational plans of young people as well as entire degree programs and universities dependent on the particular circumstances of the job market at any one time,” warns Müllers. He looks upon the idea of closer ties between higher education and business as well as the Brussels initiative to include more business-minded thinking in university courses with scepticism. “Education is a human right; the right to further one’s own personality. Education can't just be viewed according to its costs and its potential returns on investment or competitiveness,” says Müllers.

However, Müllers also said that the CESI particularly welcomes the Commission's recommendations for the member states and European higher education concerning greater mobility for students. “If we want to have a European area of higher education as well as a healthy job market throughout Europe then we need to do more regarding cross-border recognition of university and vocational qualifications.” He also says it is good to hear that the Commission wants to improve the Erasmus system and to develop a European register of higher education institutions. However, he also maintains that it is crucial to ensure the ongoing autonomy of those same institutions as well as the power of the individual member states to decide their own education policies. If these needs can be made to coexist with the positive initiatives of the Commission then this could represent a real change for the better for Europe.