Academic Freedom Under Pressure Across Europe
- Recent findings show declining academic freedom in 34 countries, prompting calls for stronger EU support and institutional resilience.
Shrinking Space for Independent Scholarship
On September 9, the International Day to Protect Education from Attack will be observed once again, amid growing concern over academic freedom. According to the latest Academic Freedom Index, 34 countries have seen significant declines over the past decade, including democratic states such as Austria and Germany. These setbacks often coincide with the rise of authoritarian-leaning political parties, which tend to impose restrictions on universities. Common tactics include limiting institutional autonomy, cutting research funding, and targeting specific disciplines deemed politically sensitive.
Carsten Q. Schneider, interim president of Central European University (CEU), warns that the issue is not about content, but about the freedom to generate knowledge. When universities face constraints, societies lose their ability to understand themselves and resist authoritarian trends. CEU itself experienced such pressure in 2019, when it was forced to relocate from Budapest to Vienna due to Hungary’s “Lex CEU” legislation. Although the European Court of Justice later ruled the law incompatible with EU standards, the damage underscored the fragility of academic freedom—even within the Union.
Institutional Responses and European Support
From its new base in Vienna, CEU continues to advocate for open academic discourse, notably through initiatives like the Invisible University for Ukraine. This program offers Ukrainian students access to critical thinking and academic engagement despite the ongoing war. The broader lesson from the Academic Freedom Index is clear: complacency enables erosion. Restrictions often emerge gradually, narrowing debate and silencing dissent before institutions realize the extent of the damage.
To counter these trends, robust protection mechanisms are needed across Europe. Stable funding and international alliances play a key role in safeguarding academic independence. CIVICA, a network of leading European universities, exemplifies such collaboration. More than a research platform, it promotes shared standards of autonomy and strengthens institutional voices against political interference.
Democracy and Knowledge Are Interlinked
Academic freedom is not just an internal university matter—it is a cornerstone of democratic society. When universities are silenced, public discourse suffers, and democratic resilience weakens. The European Union faces a clear responsibility: defending academic freedom means defending democracy itself. Institutions must be empowered to resist external pressure and maintain their role as spaces for inquiry and debate.
Interestingly, CIVICA’s model of cross-border cooperation has gained traction in recent years, reflecting a growing recognition that academic autonomy cannot be preserved in isolation. As political landscapes shift, universities increasingly rely on collective frameworks to uphold their mission. The CEU’s experience serves as a reminder that vigilance and solidarity are essential. In the face of mounting challenges, Europe’s academic institutions must remain both resilient and vocal.
