Debate unfolds in the German Parliament (Bundestag) this week

In the realm of education, Germany has been steadfast in its commitment to the Bologna Process, a European initiative aimed at creating a unified higher education area. Since 1999, when 30 European countries signed the Bologna Declaration, Germany has been a key player in this endeavour.

From 2021 to 2024, Germany continued to fully engage with the Bologna Process framework as part of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), emphasizing reforms around the three-cycle degree structure (bachelor, master, doctorate) and fostering student mobility. The country's approach is seen as comprehensive and proactive in integrating Bologna Process goals with broader European higher education developments.

Germany's implementation focus has included strengthening international mobility and cooperation as part of the European Universities initiative, which supports interconnected university alliances across Europe. The Skilled Labour Initiative and the Campus Initiative for International Talents have been enhanced to attract and integrate international students. These efforts are backed by substantial funding and policy measures, reflecting an active and strategic engagement beyond just compliance with Bologna structural reforms.

By 2024, these European University alliances numbered 65 in total across Europe, including German institutions, although actual student participation in joint degrees or transnational programs remains a smaller part of overall enrollment at these universities.

In the realm of foreign policy, the German Armed Forces have been engaged in the EU mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI since February 2020, contributing to the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya. The mandate for this mission is regularly evaluated and can be extended until 30 April 2025 upon request of the Federal Government. In addition, the Berlin Process was launched in 2019 to support Libya in development policy.

On the domestic front, the Disability Pension Improvement Act for existing cases was passed in 2022, providing a supplement for disabled pensioners. The amount of the supplement depends on when the pension began and can be up to 7.5% if the pension was first received between 2001 and 2014. The supplement will be paid to around three million disability pensioners starting from July 2024.

The new skilled workers immigration law lays the foundation for retaining international students permanently. Germany is now one of the most popular destinations for international students. However, high dropout rates, especially among international students, are a concern.

The German government has submitted a report to the Bundestag on the implementation of the Bologna Process goals in Germany from 2021 to 2024. The report does not indicate that Germany has altered or reduced its commitment to the Bologna Process during this period. Rather, the country appears to deepen its engagement, especially in internationalization and European cooperation dimensions of higher education reform catalyzed by Bologna.

The Solar Package aims to accelerate the expansion of photovoltaics (PV) on rooftops, buildings, and open spaces. The package introduces collective building supply, enabling solar power to be delivered more easily to tenants or property owners within a building.

The part-time volunteer service will be made possible for volunteers under 27 years old, with at least 20 hours per week. The 29th BAföG reform should prioritize both structural and financial improvements. The BAföG is a key instrument to reduce the financial barriers to studying in Germany.

Advancements have been made in the recognition of academic achievements in Germany. The coalition agreement includes a plan to toughen penalties for bribery and corruption of members of parliament. A new criminal offense of improper influence-peddling (§ 108f StGB) will be created, punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine.

The reform of the Climate Protection Act will require the federal government to present a comprehensive cross-sectoral climate protection program at the beginning of each legislative period. The target of 20% mobility of German students abroad has not been met.

In summary, Germany's Bologna Process implementation from 2021 to 2024 can be characterized as active and integrated within larger European initiatives, focusing on student mobility, internationalization, and collaborative university networks while maintaining the structural reforms of the European Higher Education Area. The country's foreign policy, particularly in Libya and development policy, also reflects a commitment to European cooperation. Domestically, Germany is addressing issues such as disability pension improvements, immigration, and climate protection, among others.

The German government's 2021-2024 Bologna Process report underscores the country's ongoing commitment to education-and-self-development, with a focus on integration, internationalization, and European cooperation in higher education, particularly through institutional alliances and enhanced student mobility (online-education).
In terms of policy-and-legislation, the new skilled workers immigration law is a significant development in the realm of learning, aiming to retain international students and make Germany an attractive destination for them (general-news).
Germany's foreign policy initiatives, such as the EU mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI and the Berlin Process, demonstrate a continued emphasis on European policy-and-legislation, particularly in supporting Libya's development (politics).