Throughout Europe, awareness is growing that the quality of education depends not just on curricula or funding but also on ethics, transparency, and integrity. When trust in qualifications and institutions is high, learners, families, and employers can see education as a fair route to opportunities and social mobility.
In this context, Malta’s active role in the Council of Europe’s Platform on Ethics, Transparency and Integrity in Education (ETINED) is both timely and strategic, aligning closely with MFHEA’s mission to foster excellence in further and higher education.
What is ETINED?
ETINED is a Council of Europe platform that brings together specialists from the 50 States Parties to the European Cultural Convention to work on ethics, transparency and integrity in education. It was officially launched by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, Ms Kateřina Valachová and the Director General of Democracy of the Council of Europe, Ms Snežana Samardžić-Marković, on the occasion of the 7th Session of the Prague Forum on 1-2 October 2015.
As stated, ETINED proposes a new approach based on the idea that quality education will only be achieved, and corruption effectively addressed, if all relevant sectors of society commit fully to fundamental positive ethical principles for public and professional life, rather than relying only upon top-down, mechanistic regulatory measures.
How ETINED works
The six Council of Europe recommendations undertaken by ETINED:
- to promote quality education by eliminating education fraud;
- to protect pupils, students, researchers, and staff at all levels of education from organisations and individuals engaged in selling (and advertising) fraudulent services;
- to provide support for the implementation of preventative and protective measures, as well as a culture of equality of opportunity at all levels and in all sectors of education and training and in the transition between these sectors;
- to monitor technological developments that could support new forms of fraud;
- to facilitate international cooperation in the field;
- to support wide dissemination of the recommendation.
ETINED promotes integrity in higher education by developing and disseminating framework documents and instruments to measure integrity and transparency in higher education institutions in member States.
In 2025, the Council of Europe signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the Centre for Preventing and Countering Education Fraud. The Centre represents a pioneering effort to address education fraud at both European and global levels. By building partnerships across institutions, networks, and countries, it aims to strengthen integrity in education and provide innovative responses to challenges that transcend borders.
MFHEA’s role within ETINED
MFHEA’s participation in ETINED aligns naturally with its mission.
The year 2025 was a milestone in this cooperation. On 5–6 November 2025, Malta hosted the 9th ETINED Plenary at the University of Malta’s Aula Magna. It was an opportunity to emphasise the MFHEA’s commitment and dedication to the ETINED works
In April 2026, members of the ETINED Bureau convened in Vienna for a meeting organised with the support of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Women, Science and Research. A representative of the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority took part in the discussions.
The agenda focused on current challenges in promoting integrity and responsible governance across education systems. Contributions from the United Nations and Austria’s Working Group on Education Fraud highlighted the importance of coordinated national responses to fraudulent activity, while participants were informed about progress in establishing the Centre for Preventing and Countering Education Fraud.
Attention was also given to ETINED’s future initiatives. Members reviewed ongoing work on policy guidance related to Open and Safe Digitalisation in cooperation with the International Institute for Educational Planning of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and considered preparations for forthcoming events in Strasbourg, including the 10th ETINED Plenary on 14th October and the Forum on Transparency in Higher Education scheduled for 15-16 October.
Why this matters for learners, providers and the Maltese society
For learners, emphasising ethics and integrity in education builds trust that their efforts will be acknowledged fairly and their qualifications respected internationally.
For providers, it promotes clear standards, effective internal quality assurance, and responsible data use, which collectively enhance institutional reputation and foster international collaboration.
Through aligning national practices with European standards and fostering peer learning, Malta participates in a broader effort that views integrity not as an optional feature but as an essential element of quality education.
Looking ahead: MFHEA’s ongoing commitment
MFHEA’s involvement in ETINED shows a sustained dedication to ethics and integrity in Malta’s further and higher education sectors. By drawing on experiences from hosting the 9th Plenary, MFHEA aims to continue collaborating with European partners to build greater trust in education.
As education increasingly globalises and digitises, these questions will become even more vital. Through engagement with ETINED, Malta is working to make “learners first” more than just a slogan: ensuring it’s a reality backed by solid values, well-defined standards, and transparent practices.
If you want to learn more about MFHEA mission, activities and services: www.mfhea.mt