27.03.2025 Academic Freedom: The Cornerstone of European Values – Highlights from the EUPeace Dialogue Event in Brussels, 25 March 2025

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The almost 50 participants gathered at the EUPeace Dialogue Event “Strengthening European Values” hosted by the Pilsen Region in Brussels on 25 March 2025. The resounding consensus? Academic freedom is not just an ideal – it is the bedrock of European values.

 

A Call to Action: Defending Academic Freedom

Opening remarks from Petr Osvald (Pilsen Region), Prof. Dr. Evelyn Korn (Chair of the Governing Board, EUPeace), and Prof. RNDr. Miroslav Lávička, Ph.D. (Rector, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen) set the stage for an insightful keynote by Professeur Hélène Pauliat: Universities, Promoters of European Democratic Values.

Discussions underscored the need to strengthen ties with all universities facing restrictions – regardless of location or duration of impact. Defending European values demands unwavering support for academic institutions and academics under pressure, even if the needs are high and the ressources are low. Access to education must also remain a top priority worldwide, as it fosters critical thinking – the foundation of free and democratic societies.

 

Academic Freedom: A Driver of Democracy, Innovation & Employability

A distinguished panel – featuring Prof. Dr. Evelyn Korn (EUPeace), Susanne Conze (European Commission), Iris Kimizoglu (European Students’ Union, ESU), Monika Steinel (European University Association, EUA), and Marie-Anne Persoons (Council of Europe) – explored the multifaceted role of academic freedom. It was recognised as a catalyst for democratic citizenship, innovation, and employability – reinforcing the message that there should be no trade-off between these essential pillars.

Crucially, participants highlighted that students are often the first affected by restrictions on academic freedom, as seen in recent cases in Europe. The need for structural support programmes tailored for students was strongly emphasised.

Beyond Dialogue: Concrete Actions for Change

The event was not just about discussion – it was a call to move from words to action. Universities must bring European values to life in tangible ways: through campus policies, curricula, and everyday academic life.

One key takeaway was the importance of interdisciplinarity – breaking down academic silos so that, for example, medical students engage with themes of academic freedom and democratic values. EUPeace actively fosters this approach through its European Track, an initiative providing students across all disciplines with opportunities for intercultural and interdisciplinary collaboration while equipping them with essential knowledge on inclusion, peace, and justice.

Emerging solutions also included: Expanding joint projects with universities and academics facing restrictions; Publicly supporting affected academics through speaker invitations; Engaging with society by opening scientific conferences to the public; Strengthening student communities as active contributors to university life and democratic values.

EUPeace, represented by eight of its member universities – including top university leadership – was proud to exchange ideas with policy-makers, other universities and university alliances, and the broader higher education community in Brussels.

 

A heartfelt thank you to the Pilsen Region, our esteemed speakers, participants, and the organising team for the lively exchanges on this vital topic. Together, we are shaping a future of more peaceful, just, and inclusive societies!

 

View the presentation by Professeur Hélène Pauliat here. 

View the event photographs here.