Croatian Bologna Promoters Team (Cro4Bologna) Introductory Remarks Aleksa Bjeliš University of Zagreb 14 January 2005.

Bologna process in Croatia – short history University of Zagreb was among first signatories of Magna Charta Universitatum of European Universities (Bologna 1988); Croatia signed Bologna declaration in Prague 2001; Full legislative support for the implementation of BP achieved in July 2003 through new Act on Scientific Research and Higher Education

Application of the Act postponed during the academic year 2003/ reconsiderations of the text and introduction of a number of changes; Ammended Act – July 2004 Some propositions: - new study scheme – until 2005/ new system of quality assurance (with the foundation of Agency) – end of 2004; -full juridical integration of universities – until the end of full establishment of binary system – until 2010.

Study programmes: thorough analyses of the present state and work on finding new solutions – started at the beginning of 2004, but slowed down due to uncertainities with the legislation; Now: time pressure – see afternoon presentation; Initial steps towards joint programmes: from 2003 on

Issues to be pushed forward: -Student and staff mobility; -National qualification framework; -Recognition of qualifications and degrees (ENIC/NARIC office); -New system of HE budgeting; -Strengthening of the social dimension of HE and Bologna scheme -Strengthening of the European dimension of HE -More intense Croatian participation in EHEA and ERA

Necessary prerequisite: Systematic promotion of essential components an aspect of Bologna process on the academic level and wider societal level; National committee for the follow-up of Bologna process - established in April First steps: -more systematic participation in international events; -more systematic web and media presentations;

April 2004: application for the 1-year SOCRATES TEMPUS (SCM) programme on the establishment of National Teams of Bologna Promoters; End of November 2004: programme approved; Proper timing : -Introduction of two tiers system of study programmes from fall of 2005; -Croatia starts negotiations for entering into EU; -Last preparations for new lump sum system of financing of HE institutions; -National foundation for science and HE starts with activities;