The European Higher Education Area From the Bologna Declaration to the European University Initiative: Some Remarks From the French Experience and Comparative Outlook on the Issue of University Accreditation

This paper deals with the issue of university accreditation with regard to the proposed establishment of European Universities. Through a comparative analysis of several national systems, the study highlights differing approaches regarding the object, purpose, and governance of accreditation, revealing substantial heterogeneity across Europe and beyond. A particular focus is dedicated to France, whose historically state-driven yet institutionally diverse system illustrates how accreditation can function as a tool to structure, steer, and integrate a complex higher education landscape. In conclusion, the paper assesses the potential solutions for an EU-level accreditation mechanism. While formal harmonization remains excluded, the Union could support the establishment and accreditation of European universities within the aim to foster deeper cooperation and promote shared values.