On Saturday, June 21, 2003, the State Duma adopted the draft address prepared by deputies from the YABLOKO faction to Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov on taking the necessary measures to enable Russia to join the Bologna process: 357 deputies of the Duma voted for the draft address, above the required 226 votes.

"Adoption of this resolution opens the way to the participation of Russia's representatives in the the working bodies of the Bologna process and in preparations for the Berlin conference of education ministers of the European countries in autumn 2003," noted the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Education and Science Alexander Shishlov (YABLOKO faction).

The Bologna Declaration "European Higher Education Area" was signed by the education ministers of 29 European countries in June 1999. The goals of the Bologna process are to enhance the quality and competitiveness of European education on the world market for educational services and to creation a system that would ensure the compatibility of national educational programmes. Of the large European states only Russia, Byelorussia and Ukraine remain outside the integration in education.

According to Shishlov, Russia's signing of the Bologna Declaration will accelerate resolution of the problem of mutual acknowledgement of university diplomas. In addition, higher education in Russia has the advantage of the fundamental nature of its educational programmes. To exploit this advantage and attract students from other countries, Russia should participate in the construction of a common European system, noted Shishlov.

"Russia's admission to the Bologna process should be regarded in the context of Russia's national interests and the development of Russia's foreign policy course aimed at cooperation and integration with Europe," stressed Shishlov.

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