Brussels, 30/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 23 September, the European Parliament, in plenary session, adopted the report by Doris Pack (EPP-ED, Germany) on the Bologna Process and student mobility. Noting that the aim of the Bologna Process was to create a European higher education area by 2010, MEPs felt that urgent measures had to be taken in various areas, not just higher education, to increase student mobility and improve the quality of teaching. They laid particular stress on better teaching of foreign languages, which was key to student mobility. They also highlighted the urgent need for comparable statistics on mobility and students' socio-economic backgrounds to remove the current deficit and promote the exchange of best practice. Universities were invited to take part in the process by reforming their organisational systems to increase flexibility, an essential point if student mobility is to be encouraged. MEPs also called on member states to consider granting special aid to students from disadvantaged backgrounds to allow them to take advantage of mobility opportunities. The introduction of a single European student card should, in general terms, allow students to enjoy reduced prices in accommodation and basic food products. The European Commission and member states should put in place European reference frameworks as quickly as possible to create the desired European higher education area. (I.L./transl.rt)