European University Alliances are advancing joint degree programmes across Europe, but important practical barriers remain. A recent peer-learning visit of the Erasmus+ Future4Alliances project in Helsinki brought together key actors to explore how national frameworks, institutions and alliances can better support joint degree programmes and the emerging Joint European Degree Label. 

Over three days, participants examined the issue from national, institutional and European perspectives, including accreditation practices, legislative flexibility and developments around the European Degree Label. The programme included an introduction to the Finnish higher education system, remarks from the European Commission, national updates and reflections from FOREU4ALL. 

Institutional practice was explored through visits to Aalto University (Unite!) and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences (U!REKA), alongside a contribution from Haaga-Helia (Ulysseus). These examples highlighted how alliances are designing and implementing joint degree programmes and cooperating with working-life partners. The final day focused on quality assurance, with FINEEC presenting Finland’s approach and the University of Eastern Finland (YUFE) providing a programme-level example. 

Several messages emerged from the discussions. Joint degree programmes are becoming a clear strategic priority for European University Alliances, while the Joint European Degree Label is moving from design towards implementation. Although legal barriers are decreasing, practical barriers remain significant. Participants also discussed whether a future European Degree might increasingly emerge through practice rather than legislation. 

The visit also underlined the importance of structured dialogue between different actors in moving from policy discussions towards concrete implementation solutions for joint European programmes. 

Future4Alliances (2025–2028) is an Erasmus+ project bringing together national and regional authorities and higher education stakeholders from 13 countries to strengthen support for European Universities Alliances, focusing on sustainable funding, joint educational programmes and their international dimension. ACA members involved in the project are Campus France, EDUFI, HK-dir, Foundation Tempus and CMEPIUS as core partners, and DAAD, Nuffic, Uni-Italia and Movetia as associated partners.