In the European higher education area, this soon-to-elapse decade has been characterised by the reform processes initiated in 1999 and 2000 by the Bologna declaration and the Lisbon Strategy, respectively. At the close of the decade, Member States strive to complete to the best of their abilities the tasks aimed at implementing the objectives set for this decade. At the same time, discussions have commenced on the vision and goals of education in the decade to follow after 2010. Slovenia wishes within the programme of its Presidency to contribute both to the implementation of the existing goals and to the formulation of new ones.

The latest report on implementation of the Bologna process warned that not all objectives will be fulfilled integrally and/or in all countries by 2010. One area where insufficient achievements require vigorous actions in the coming years is introducing lifelong learning into higher education. Slovenia would like to attract an in-depth discussion on the role and possible input of higher education to the concept of lifelong learning, with the view of making further progress in this important area.

Higher education partners agree that Europe needs modernised universities if it hopes to attain the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy, as universities are a key element of the knowledge triangle and, consequently, of a knowledge-based society. Modernising universities is based on three pillars: autonomy and responsibility, administration and management, and financing. All three of them call for urgent changes. During its Presidency, Slovenia will focus on the issue of whether Europe's universities, on facing greater autonomy and requirements for greater responsibility, are capable of responding successfully to new challenges and tasks. In this regard, opinions will be exchanged as to whether Europe's universities have proper governance and management structures in place.

Furthermore, during Slovenia's Presidency we will have to look beyond the confines of the European higher education area. The timely adoption of the decision on the Erasmus Mundus II programme will play a prominent part in this regard, with the ultimate aim to provide for its smooth continuation in the period 2009–2013. In addition, special attention will be paid to promoting intercultural dialogue with emphasis on the Euro-Mediterranean area.