ANVUR adopts the European Approach for Quality Assurance of Joint Programmes (EA) for the accreditation of international joint study programmes, in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). These standards ensure a quality level recognised at European level, facilitate the recognition of qualifications, and foster trust among academic institutions.

Introduced in 2015 by the EHEA ministers, the EA streamlines the accreditation process for joint programmes, reducing redundancies and administrative burdens. It allows institutions wishing to apply it to request a single Quality Assurance Agency, listed in the EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register), to coordinate the evaluation procedure.

Starting from the academic year 2025–2026, ANVUR recognises the procedures and outcomes of evaluations using the EA for the initial accreditation of first-cycle (Bachelor) and second-cycle (Master) study programmes awarding joint or multiple degrees, including those established within the framework of European University Alliances. The European Approach ensures the application of shared quality standards, thus promoting deeper academic integration at the international level.

Through the adoption of the European Approach, ANVUR contributes to strengthening a university system that is increasingly international and competitive, capable of meeting the demands for recognition and transparency required by the global context.