Defending academic freedom: Europe’s role amid global pressures

As threats to academic freedom intensify worldwide, The Guild – including the University of Tartu as a member – urges the EU and national governments to take firm steps to safeguard academic freedom and strengthen Europe’s appeal to top researchers.

Academic freedom is increasingly under threat worldwide. Recent attacks on science, e.g. in Argentina, Hungary, Serbia, Turkey and the United States, have prompted discussions in Europe on how to make the continent a safe haven for researchers.

It is crucial to strengthen the protection of the freedom of scientific research, also in Europe. For this reason, The Guild welcomes the European Parliament's and European Commission's commitment to a better legal protection of the freedom of scientific research in Europe, possibly within or as part of the European Research Area Act. However, The Guild cautions that effective enforcement must not be delayed or diluted by broader political compromises. To ensure rapid and impartial responses to infringements, The Guild reiterates its call for the appointment of a dedicated European ombudsperson.

In a growing number of countries, universities face mounting political interference in research, from ideological constraints to funding cuts. In light of these developments, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s Choose Europe for Science initiative is a timely signal of renewed commitment to research freedom and talent attraction.

The Guild supports greater investment in programmes like the European Research Council and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions with proven success in attracting top research talents to Europe. Yet it warns that incentives to recruit international researchers must not come at the cost of national research systems, as seen in budget cuts in France and the Netherlands. Furthermore, we urge the European Commission to support brain circulation instead of inducing any brain drain to Europe.

To realise a resilient, attractive, and globally connected research area, Europe must invest in infrastructure, support early-career researchers, promote responsible internationalisation, and protect those at risk due to their academic work, offering tailored support and ensuring long-term collaboration. Academic freedom is the bedrock of research excellence. Europe must act now to defend it.

Read the position paper on the website of The Guild.