Dmitry Afanasiev, quoted by Russian agencies TASS and Ria-Novosti, said the decision was made following the April 11 decision by the Bologna Group to “suspend representation of Russia and the Republic of Belarus from all institutions of the European higher education system.”
“Our deans and heads of educational institutions have signed the Declaration of the Russian Rectors’ Union in support of the President. [Vladimir Putin] About special action [na Ucrânia]All educational institutions in the country were excluded from the Bologna process, ”he said.
Afanasiev said Russia did not need to condemn any agreements related to the European education system.
During a meeting of the Federal Council on Science, Education and Culture, he justified his actions by saying, “I would say that the Bologna process has left Russia and there is no other way.”
In late May, Russian Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov announced that Russia was withdrawing from the Bologna process, which he called the “standard of living”, and that it would create its own system of higher education. .
“The future is focused on expanding our own unique education system based on national economic interests and the potential of each student,” the minister said at the time.
The ministry said the change would not be drastic and that there would be a period of transition from the Bologna system to the Russian system.
In March, the Union of Russian Rectors expressed support for the Russian-led invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24.
In a proclamation adopted on April 11, the Bologna Committee suspended the representation rights of Russia and Belarus in all institutions and activities of the European Education Organization due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia joined the Bologna Organization in 2003 and Ukraine in 2005.
Launched in 1999, the Bologna Process has led to the creation of the European Higher Education Region (EHEA), which so far covers 49 countries “with different political, cultural and educational traditions”, according to information found on their respective portals.
To participate, participating countries must adopt reforms in higher education based on common values such as “freedom of expression, institutional autonomy, independent student associations, academic freedom, and the free movement of students and staff.”
The organization, among other things, provides for the independent movement of students, professors and administrative staff, and to increase the competitiveness of European universities in the global education market.
Portugal has been part of the Bologna process since 1999.