The London Communiqué asked the ENIC/NARIC networks to analyse the National Action Plans for Recognition that had been prepared as part of the 2006/2007 stocktaking exercise and to spread good practice for the recognition of degrees. The networks therefore set up a working party. The Council of Europe financed and provided the Secretariat for this working group.

The detailed study showed that a lot of work remains to be done to ensure more coherent recognition across the European Higher Education Area, and also fair recognition in the sense of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

Report to the BFUG on the analysis of the 2007 National Actions Plans for Recognition

It therefore concluded with the following recommendations:

To the Ministers

1. Ministers of those ‘Bologna’ countries that still have not become Parties to the Lisbon Recognition Convention are recommended to sign and/or ratify the Convention without further delay.
2. Ministers of those countries that have not amended their legislation to adopt the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and its subsidiary texts are recommended to assist their Ministries in preparation of the amendments in line with the principles of the legal framework of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
3. Ministers of those countries that have not amended their legislation to allow and encourage establishment and recognition of joint degrees are recommended to do so.
4. Ministers of all countries are recommended to include quality of institutional recognition procedures into the internal quality procedures of the higher education institutions and also include it into the external quality reviews.

To the ENIC and NARIC Networks

1. Clarify the differences in terminology used in the recognition legislation and practices of different countries and take steps to move towards a coherent terminology across the EHEA.
2. Organize discussion between the national ENIC /NARIC centres to clarify the differences in the recognition criteria and procedures among the countries. On the basis of that discussion, a revised Recommendation on the Criteria and Procedures for the Assessment of Foreign Qualifications and Periods of Study will be drafted by the Bureau of the Lisbon Recognition Convention Committee.
3. Draft a revised Recommendation on the Criteria and Procedures and submit it to the Committee of the Lisbon Recognition Convention for adoption in 2010.

To national ENIC/NARIC Centres

1. ENIC/NARIC centres of those countries that have not amended their legislation adopting the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and its Subsidiary texts are recommended to assist their Ministries in preparation of the amendments for adoption of principles of the legal framework of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
2. The ENIC/NARIC centres are encouraged to apply the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention also at assessment of qualifications from such countries that are not Parties of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.
3. They should provide information, guidance and counselling to the higher education institutions to help them establish and maintain recognition procedures based on the principles of the legal framework of the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

To higher education institutions

1. Make the recognition of qualifications a part of the internal quality assurance of the institution.
2. Draw up institutional guidelines and recommendations for recognition ensuring implementation of the principles of the Lisbon Recognition Convention across the institution.
3. Ensure implementation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention at the level of faculties and departments.
4. Cooperate with other higher education institutions and the national ENIC/NARIC centre with a view to ensure coherent recognition across the country.