YÖDAK Accepted as an Affiliate Member at the ENQA 2025 General Assembly

The European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) held its 2025 General Assembly and Anniversary Celebration in Brussels between 22–24 October 2025, marking the 25th anniversary of its establishment. The event brought together quality assurance agencies from across Europe. The President of the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, attended the General Assembly, representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Throughout the meeting, current topics such as the global role of the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG), the impact of quality assurance within the Bologna Process, the use of artificial intelligence in quality assurance, and cooperation among QA agencies were discussed.
During the event, ENQA’s General Assembly sessions were held, and membership applications were reviewed. In this context, YÖDAK’s affiliate membership—previously approved by the ENQA Board—was officially confirmed by the General Assembly in accordance with ENQA regulations.
This development was considered an important milestone for YÖDAK, as it expands the Council’s range of achievements, enhances its role within the European quality assurance network, strengthens international cooperation, and supports the alignment of its quality assurance systems with European standards.
The opening speeches of the General Assembly were delivered by ENQA President Douglas Blackstock, AEQES Director Eva Jaroszewski, and VLUHR QA Head Patrick Van den Bosch. Throughout the programme, numerous quality assurance experts, higher education leaders, and institutional representatives from across Europe and beyond shared their insights.
Sessions held at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels addressed key topics such as “The Value of Quality Assurance in Higher Education,” “The Role of ESG in a Global Context,” “The Use of Artificial Intelligence in QA Agencies,” and “Stakeholder Involvement in External Quality Assurance.”
Furthermore, with the conclusion of Douglas Blackstock’s term, Cristina Ghitulica from Romania was elected as the new President of ENQA.
During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın also held discussions with ENQA officials and representatives of other European quality assurance agencies, emphasizing YÖDAK’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and further advancing quality assurance systems in higher education in the TRNC.
Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK)