In spring 2017, ECREA issued a public statement of concern with the legislation proposed by the Hungarian government that endangered the existence of Central European University (CEU) in Budapest. ECREA addressed a letter of protest to the Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán and Minister of Human Rights Balog on 5^th April 2017.

Here, we bring you an update from the CEU on the current situation written for the ECREA Newsletter by Adri Bruckner, Director of Communication at CEU on 8^th September 2017.

Regarding Hungarian legislation threatening Central European University and academic freedom:

The situation in Hungary regarding amendments to higher education legislation, which threaten the operations and institutional independence of Central European University, took a turn in June, when the Hungarian government entered into negotiations with the State of New York, where CEU is registered. The Hungarian government has already signed agreements with the state of Maryland, and with other countries that are home to universities operating in Hungary, but these universities did not express significant objections to the legislation and were not specifically targeted by the legislation – CEU and other observers and analysts saw the legislation as targeting CEU.

The negotiations between New York and Hungary aim to find a resolution that enables CEU to continue operations in Hungary. Recent statements by government spokespeople, including State Secretary for Higher Education László Palkovics, indicate an expectation that an agreement will be signed in the near future. In terms of timing, the legislation allows currently enrolled students to complete their studies, but prohibits the acceptance of new students from 1^st January 2018 if CEU does not comply with the legislation. CEU’s position is that while the university is not at the negotiating table, it understands that the negotiations are being conducted in a constructive atmosphere, and is therefore hopeful that an agreement will be signed that enables the university to remain in Budapest, its home for over two decades, with its institutional integrity and operations intact.

Separately, the European Commission expressed its objection to the legislation known as lex CEU, citing restrictions to academic freedom and possible violations of the freedom of movement of goods and services. It initiated infringement proceedings against Hungary as a result. According to press reports, the Hungarian government, in its response last month, refused to amend the legislation, and maintains that the European Union holds no jurisdiction in the matter. The Commission may now take the issue to court.

The legislation was also taken to Hungary’s Constitutional Court by opposition parties in Parliament contesting its constitutionality. There is no deadline for the court to rule on the matter.