How a Joint European Degree Could Strengthen Knowledge Cities and Urban Futures
In an increasingly interconnected world, Europe's cities are also home to the universities shaping tomorrow’s talent. Last week, EU education ministers took a significant step towards strengthening that role, with the adoption of a Council resolution and recommendation paving the way for a Joint European Degree Label.
The decision represents a long-term vision to make European higher education more collaborative, competitive and globally attractive. And crucially, it could help boost the role of universities as key urban actors in driving innovation, inclusion and sustainability.
A new label with big ambitions
The Joint European Degree Label would be awarded to joint academic programmes delivered by universities in at least two EU member states. These programmes would meet a set of agreed-upon criteria around quality, cooperation and mutual recognition of qualifications. By 2029, the Council hopes to move from this initial label to a fully recognised Joint European Degree.
The aim is to support students who want a genuinely European education and to encourage universities to form deeper, long-term partnerships across borders.
Why this matters for cities
Many of Europe’s most dynamic cities are also knowledge hubs — from Ghent to Gothenburg, Vilnius to Valencia. Universities located in these urban centres attract international talent, contribute to urban regeneration, fuel innovation ecosystems, and often collaborate with local governments and communities.
By supporting more transnational university alliances, the new label could reinforce these roles. Students may study across cities, bringing fresh perspectives and fostering intercultural understanding. Local economies benefit when graduates remain or return with international experience. And city governments stand to gain from stronger links with institutions that are more outward-looking and better resourced.
Supporting a more connected and competitive Europe
The Council’s recommendation includes proposals to improve quality assurance and implement automatic recognition of degrees across countries. This matters for mobility and fairness, and for enabling cities to attract and retain young professionals in high-skill sectors.
For example, a graduate of a joint sustainability programme between universities in Helsinki and Lisbon could more easily work in Amsterdam or Kraków without hurdles — helping urban areas tap into a wider pool of talent to meet shared challenges like the green transition or digitalisation.
A long-term investment in our urban future
The European degree label may seem distant from everyday urban issues like transport or housing. But in the long run, it's a strategic investment in the human capital that makes cities thrive. It supports a more integrated and resilient Europe; one where knowledge, people and ideas move more freely between cities, creating stronger urban communities along the way.
As we look to the future of our cities, initiatives like this remind us that smart, inclusive urban development also depends on education, cooperation and opportunity.
