site.btaEuropean University Association Expresses Concern over State of Serbia's Higher Education

The Board of the European University Association (EUA) on Tuesday expressed serious concern about challenges facing higher education in Serbia and pointed to the pressure and threats facing lecturers and students, the Danas daily said on Tuesday. The statement said academic life had been affected following mass student protests that began after the collapse of the concrete canopy of the Novi Sad railway station on November 1, 2024.

The denial of state funding for operating costs and new regulations that have led to a reduction in lecturers' salaries are cited as examples of the pressure universities are under.

"These are clear infringements of university autonomy, which are likely to have severe consequences for universities and wider society. The restrictions negatively impact universities’ ability to collaborate internationally and weaken the knowledge base, hindering universities in carrying out their work," the EUA Board says.

"Fundamental values, including institutional autonomy and academic freedom, are essential for universities to fulfil their missions and to serve society. Promoting and protecting these as preconditions for the meaningful work of universities is especially crucial in times of unrest, when there is a risk that these principles may be eroded," the statement reads further.

The EUA expresses its support for all institutions and individuals within the Serbian higher education community that have been, or continue to be, adversely affected. The Association’s Board calls on all parties involved to engage in meaningful, peaceful and constructive dialogue, and hopes for a swift and lasting resolution to the current situation, and for the institutional autonomy of universities to be fully upheld.