BIGSSS Statement on the Recent Legislative Changes to the Hungarian National Higher Education Act › view all

For many years, the Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) has actively and intensely cooperated with faculty members and students of the Central European University. Our PhD fellows have visited Budapest colleagues and, reciprocally, we have had the honour to host many of them in Bremen. Beyond any controversy, CEU represents highest academic professionalism as well as compelling quality, innovation and openness in both research and teaching. This makes it one of our core professional partner institutions in the Social Sciences in Europe.

BIGSSS is deeply concerned about the recent legislative changes to the Hungarian national higher education Act which were passed on April 4th, 2017. Supporting the statement of Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, we fear that this development may be in direct opposition to the freedom of scientific research, and our shared values of openness in the sciences that safeguard our independence.

Together with many individuals and institutions in Hungary, Europe and beyond we hope for a reconsideration of this specific case and also for a growing awareness about the threats that liberal thought and open societies are facing.

Prof. Dr. Olaf Groh-Samberg on behalf of BIGSSS

For those of you who wish to take action, please write to:

János Áder's Office (President of Hungary, who can still veto the decision until April 9):

• Dr. Mária Ádám Haszonicsné, Director-General
  Email: Haszonicsne.Maria@keh.hu / cc to support_for_CEU@ceu.edu
• Dr. Balázs Könnyid, Head of Department
  Email: Konnyid.Balazs@keh.hu / cc to support_for_CEU@ceu.edu

and EU Commissioners:

• Tibor Navracsics (Commissioner, Education, culture, youth and sports): cab-navracsics-contact@ec.europa.eu
• Frans Timmermans (First Vice-President, Better Regulation, Interinstitutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights):  frans-timmermans-contact@ec.europa.eu
• Carlos Moedas (Commissioner, Research, Science and Innovation): cab-moedas-contact@ec.europa.eu

There is an option to express solidarity in your own name at this CEU link.

For more info and ways to resist see the University's website.