The European International Studies Association expresses grave concern at the unfolding crisis of higher education institutions across Europe, and its impact on academic research conditions and academic freedom.
Across Europe, universities are facing budget cuts leading to course closures and redundancies, and in some cases jeopardising the very survival of entire institutions. Visa restrictions are increasingly being used to target international students and their families, imposing unfair barriers on education and intellectual exchange, and further exacerbating pressures on universities.
At a time of global crisis and turmoil, funding for universities and academic research is more important than ever. We need research to better understand and tackle ongoing crises, and we need universities to provide students with the knowledge and skills to tackle these challenges.
The EISA expresses its solidarity to colleagues affected by attacks on higher education funding. We urge relevant authorities and institutions to provide much-needed support for the higher education sector and ensure fair working and research conditions, which are preconditions for the exercise of academic freedom.
Examples of funding cuts include (and are not limited to):
- In the UK, nearly three quarters of universities could be in deficit by 2025-26. A large number of institutions are closing courses and putting thousands of jobs at risk of redundancy.
- In Germany, several states are making budget cuts, while DAAD has been forced to make cuts to academic exchange programmes.
- In Italy, budget cuts are likely to disproportionately affect those on precarious contracts and smaller institutions.
- Finnish universities are also facing reductions in their budgets.
- In Turkey, academic salaries have been severely eroded by inflation and are below the poverty line.
