[Harmonizing European medical education, continuing and postgraduate education]

The harmonization of medical education, specialist training and continuing medical education (CME) in Europe progresses at different levels. University exchange programmes like ERASMUS and SOKRATES try to realize the European idea on the student and academic level. Specialist training is complicated by differences in responsibilities. The UEMS, based on various agreements, coordinates the harmonization process. Surgical training is represented by the European Board of Surgery (EBS). Its basic care and subspecialties have been described and European qualifications are being prepared. The content of education as well as log books, trainee qualification and training centers are regulated by position papers. Continued medical education is described in the Charter of Continued Medical Education of Specialists in which the content of training and requirements are defined.