Describes, within the political context, European Union cooperative efforts for educational quality, recognition of qualifications, and open/distance learning. Concludes that success depends on the diversity of education and training systems in Member States. (SK)

The Open College Federation of the North West was initiated in 1975 as a result of an agreement between the University of Lancaster, Nelson and Colne Tertiary College, and the Lancashire Polytechnic. Its aims were to prepare adults for entry into higher education, create a range of intermediate-level courses for adults that were academic but that…