The Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and the Czech Technical University in Prague organized a seminar on “Recognition and Credit Systems in the Context of Lifelong Learning” (Prague, 5-7 June 2003) to discuss systematically related concepts in European higher education, in particular the validation of education and credits gained outside formal higher education study programmes and courses. The starting point of the seminar was that higher education is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The full complexity of the issue was explored, from searching for a common denominator in various definitions to an analysis of the concrete characteristics of lifelong learning. The seminar shed new light on lifelong learning's flexible paths and their relationship to (traditional) qualification frameworks, on the various issues of quality and recognition of prior (non-traditional, etc.) learning, and on the use of various tools (ECTS, Diploma Supplement, portfolios, etc.). Productive connections were found with the work done in  previous seminars; Lifelong learning should not be treated as an isolated subject but as an important, integral part of the Process, involving all appropriate stakeholders in creating a qualifications framework for the European Higher Education Area. This framework should encompass the full range of lifelong learning paths, opportunities and techniques, and should make appropriate use of ECTS credits.

Source: Bologna process between Prague and Berlin
Report to the Ministers of Education of the signatory countries Berlin, September 2003
General Rapporteur: Prof. Pavel Zgaga
Report commissioned by the Follow-up Group of the Bologna Process
Bologna Process between Prague and Berlin