Elections, political crises and budget changes: main policies in European countries from 04/2024

European countries have seen various political changes since 04/2024, with national elections in the UK and France and new budgets for higher education and research being announced.

In Switzerland and the Netherlands, national budgets for higher education and research are being reduced by the two new governments.

"There will be fewer financial resources available in 2025. As a consequence, there is a risk that the level of services will be cut back and that some of the projects carried out in the interests of Switzerland’s economy and society will have to be suspended", said the the Swiss rectors' conference on 22/04/2024.

The Irish Universities Association also urged the government to meet its financial commitments to higher education to prevent further financial strain on universities, 04/07/2024.

In the Netherlands, the far-right party PVV entered government for the first time on 02/07/2024. On the agenda for higher education and research: fewer foreign students, budget cuts in science research and negotiating a reduction of the contribution to the European budget.

On the other side…