Brussels, 23/05/2005 (Agence Europe) - The 45 ministers for higher education taking part in the Bologna process have concluded their meeting in Bergen (Norway) by reiterating their determination to redouble efforts to obtain reciprocal recognition of national diplomas before they meet again in London in 2007. Ministers examined how to facilitate student mobility on the continent “whatever the social background or financial means”; to develop equivalencies between different universities and harmonise the levels in the different countries in order to achieve the common objective of a common area for higher education. The final declaration says emphasis should also be put on cooperation for ensuring quality and criteria and comparative methodologies for assessing courses, qualifications and institutions, as well as for removing obstacles hindering student mobility and facilitating the transfer of grants. Ministers also underlined the need to provide an external dimension to the European higher education area by deepening cooperation with other geographic zones. Commissioner Jan Figel, in charge of education, insisted on the voluntary character of the Bologna process and the progress of which depending on the will of the signatory Member States. He stressed, “a process based on confidence. The solidity of this process implied that we have to provide the means for the universities to adapt their curricula, their courses and teaching methods”. He also highlighted student mobility and mutual recognition of certificates in the Member States and called on countries taking part in the process to support the work of the quality agencies. According to Figel, debates are necessary to adapt the European Community Course Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to new developments in teaching systems and courses.