Sofia hosts international talks on the future of European higher education over the next decade, the Ministry of Education and Science said.

The meeting prepares the coming ministerial conference on the Bologna Process. Bulgaria is the host because it co-chairs the group that coordinates the process.

Deputy education minister Radoslav Hristov, the ministry's parliamentary secretary, welcomed the participants. He said joint effort is needed to build modern, inclusive and competitive European higher education.

"I am sure today's discussions will be open, constructive and focused on our shared priorities," Hristov said. He said the exchange, which has already begun, gives reason to believe that work on a strong, modern and inclusive European Higher Education Area will go on.

Representatives of European countries and education bodies are looking at national action plans that are already drawn up, progress on reforms and ways to make study more flexible. The main focus is how the European Higher Education Area should develop over the next decade. The leading topics are university reforms, more flexible study and easier academic mobility.

Dr Ivana Radonova from the ministry's higher education directorate represents Bulgaria among the co-chairs. The other two co-chairs are Maria Kelo of the European University Association and Maija Innola of Finland.

Also at the meeting are representatives of the four thematic groups under the coordination group, the secretariat of the European Higher Education Area and the European Commission, as well as ministry experts.

The Bologna Process promotes cooperation between European countries and mutual recognition of education and qualifications. The ministry says its aim is to make national higher education systems more compatible and transparent.

The ministry says Bulgaria's role helps get Bulgarian degrees recognised abroad. It also helps student and teacher mobility and the quality of higher education. Shared rules and tools make it easier for young people to study and find work in different European countries.