The restrictions are also contrary to fundamental European values, such as equality and solidarity.Continue reading
Six prominent Hungarian universities issued a statement on Wednesday rejecting allegations by the European Commission that their governance model changes have infringed upon university autonomy. The universities – Semmelweis University, Óbuda University, the University of Debrecen, the University of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Miskolc, and the University of Dunaújváros – criticized the Commission’s decision as politically motivated and discriminatory.
According to the institutions, the European Commission’s recent stance reflects a refusal to continue dialogue, despite two years of arguments proving that the changes do not compromise academic freedom. Instead, they argue that the measures are part of broader political pressure on Hungary, unfairly targeting 21 Hungarian universities, their students, researchers, clinics, and institutes.
The universities assert that the EU’s actions violate fundamental principles such as equal treatment, academic freedom, and non-discrimination.
“The Council’s underlying problems with the Hungarian government have nothing to do with Hungarian universities,” the statement emphasized.
In response to the EU’s measures, the six universities have filed a legal challenge with the Court of Justice of the European Union. In a preliminary ruling on April 5, the tribunal acknowledged that the EU’s decision directly impacts the institutions.
Despite amendments to Hungary’s public interest trust laws – changes requested by the European Commission and adopted by the Hungarian Parliament on December 2 – the universities remain excluded from key EU programs such as Erasmus+ and Horizon. The Commission concluded on December 16, that Hungary’s actions were still insufficient to address its concerns.
Yesterday’s decision by the @EU_Commission to continue to prohibit the EU institutions from providing funding to public interest trusts and the entities they maintain is unacceptable, unlawful and discriminatory.
As a result, the 21 Hungarian universities affected by the… pic.twitter.com/26z8hiRJ2F
— Kinga Gál (@kingagalMEP) December 17, 2024
The universities contend that the EU’s actions are unjustified and harmful to Hungary’s academic community. “We are convinced that the rule of law concerns raised by the European Commission and the Council against the Hungarian government cannot legitimately serve as a pretext for interfering with the integrity of Hungarian universities and severely penalizing researchers and students,” the statement read.
The institutions also accused the Commission of attempting to interfere with university autonomy under false pretenses.
“The European Commission’s decision is proof that they do not want to engage in dialogue,” the universities stated. They added that their arguments demonstrating no violation of autonomy have been ignored.
One of the universities’ main grievances is the lack of opportunity for Hungarian academic institutions, researchers, and students to express their views on the matter. They claim the Commission has disregarded their voices, leaving them as collateral damage in a broader political conflict.
The universities urged for a fair resolution, emphasizing that their researchers and students should not suffer due to unrelated political disputes between the EU and the Hungarian government.
However, this autumn, Hungary adopted an amendment with the aim of enhancing university governance transparency and independence by introducing key changes: trusteeships are capped at six years, high-ranking government officials are barred from serving on boards during their term, a one-year cooling-off period applies for former officials, and the State Audit Office will oversee conflict-of-interest compliance. These reforms align with EU expectations and seek to restore access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe funding for Hungarian universities.
Via MTI; Featured image via Facebook/Debreceni Egyetem
