Short answers, pulled from the story.
UNESCO established its European Centre for Higher Education in Bucharest on the 21st of September 1972. This office became the only intergovernmental center dedicated to higher education across Europe, North America, and Israel.
The center's initial mandate focused on encouraging cooperation among member states while disseminating information about emerging trends. It served as a bridge between Western and Eastern blocs during a period of deep ideological division.
Funding issues forced the closure of the center because neither the Government of Romania nor other countries in the region could ensure financial support. This requirement was mandatory for all UNESCO Regional Centers regardless of their history or achievements.
A joint Council of Europe/UNESCO Convention on Recognition of Qualifications emerged in April 1997. UNESCO-CEPES assumed a Co-Secretariat function for this convention, marking a significant expansion of its legal authority.
In September 2003, UNESCO-CEPES received a consultative membership within the Follow-up Group of the Bologna Process. The center worked tirelessly to align national systems with these new continental standards.