Foreword
It is my honour to present EQAR’s Annual Report for 2025. The year has once again demonstrated the continued relevance of a European register that is independent, credible and firmly anchored in the commitments of the European Higher Education Area.
Karl Dittrich, EQAR’s first elected President, characterised our role as “modest but vital.” That description remains apt. EQAR does not set policy, nor does it conduct evaluations. Yet by ensuring that quality assurance agencies operate in compliance with the ESG, we safeguard a cornerstone of trust within the EHEA: confidence in each other’s systems.
In 2025, that trust was further strengthened. The Register Committee admitted three new agencies, confirming the sustained interest in alignment with the ESG and in contributing to a transparent European quality assurance framework. We are also pleased to welcome Andorra as a new governmental member as of 1 January 2026: it is a clear signal of continued confidence in EQAR’s mission.
In May, the Tirana Ministerial Conference reaffirmed quality assurance as one of the strongest shared commitments of the EHEA. In a context marked by geopolitical uncertainty and increasing pressures on higher education systems, maintaining mutual trust is not self-evident. EQAR’s function, which is technical in nature, but systemic in impact, directly supports that trust by ensuring transparency, consistency and reliability across borders.
This year also marked important preparatory work for the future. The ongoing revision of the ESG is progressing steadily, with EQAR contributing its practical experience within the Steering Committee. The revised Standards and Guidelines will need to remain both robust and adaptable, preserving core principles while responding to evolving realities in higher education.
At the same time, EQAR has prepared for its own internal evaluation: accountability and credibility begin at home! I encourage all members and stakeholders to engage actively in this process, which is essential to maintaining confidence in our governance and operations.
The 15th EQAR Members’ Dialogue in Brussels offered a valuable opportunity to meet representatives of 28 governmental members in person. Our discussions on the ESG revision and the 10th anniversary of the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes illustrated both the progress achieved and the importance of continued political support for quality assurance.
Yet again, DEQAR, our Database of external quality assurance reports, reached a significant milestone in 2025 with the publication of its 125,000th report. This steady growth demonstrates that transparency is no longer aspirational; it is operational. Accessible, reliable information underpins recognition, mobility and trust.
I am pleased to report that EQAR’s financial position remains sound. The year closed with a surplus, reflecting prudent management and organisational stability. In a dynamic environment, institutional resilience is a prerequisite for continuity and reliability.
Finally, I extend our deep gratitude to Annelies Traas, who concludes her time at EQAR after many years of dedicated service as Communications Officer. I am particularly grateful to Annelies for her successful time as Acting Head of Secretariat. Her professionalism and commitment have significantly strengthened a EQAR’s visibility, and outreach.
My sincere thanks go to the entire Secretariat: Aleksandar, Annelies, Blazhe, Giorgi, Pooja and Sandra, for their expertise and dedication throughout the year. Their work ensures that EQAR continues to fulfil its mandate with integrity and consistency.
In an EHEA built on cooperation rather than hierarchy, trust remains our most valuable asset. EQAR will continue to protect and reinforce that trust, modest in mandate, vital in function.
