The European Doctorate is an initiative of the Committee of the conference of the Presidents of the Universities from member states of the European community.

The label is delivered in addition to the thesis awarded by each individual institution provided that the following conditions are me t:

• The thesis is to be prepared, in parts, during a residence of at least 4 months in another member state of the European Community.

• The authorization to defend the thesis is to be issued upon the receipt of reports from at least two professors affiliated with institutions of higher education in two member states of the European community. The reporters must not be affiliated with the institution where the thesis is to be defended.

• At least one member of the thesis committee has to be affiliated with an institution of higher education in a member state of the European Community other than that where the thesis will be defended.

• Part of the thesis defense is to be performed in a European language other than that of the country where the defense will take place.