In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Italian authorities have decided to postpone the Ministerial conference of the European Higher Education Area, which was to be held at the end of June. The new dates are November 18 (late afternoon) – 20; the Global Summit will now be held on November 21. The Global Summit is a large event aimed at the global higher education community. The Council of Europe of course fully supports the decision by the Italian authorities in this exceptional situation and will remain an active contributor to the Ministerial conference and the Global Summit as well as to the preparation of these events.

The Bologna Board will meet online on April 2. The dates of further meetings of the Bologna Follow Up Group and Board may be modified as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that the European Higher Education Area act responsibly and contribute to stopping the pandemic.