European Commission pledges to defend academic freedom against growing risks

The European Commission has issued a statement in support of academic freedom, saying that the EU will always defend the principle as a “cornerstone of democratic society”.

The statement, issued on International Academic Freedom Day, 20/05/206, says that academic freedom is “under growing pressure” and “scholars worldwide face mounting threats”.

The Commission says that “when academic freedom is limited, societies lose access to independent knowledge, critical thinking weakens, innovation suffers, and democratic debate becomes poorer and less informed”.

It continues by saying that “education systems must remain places where knowledge is built on evidence, debate is encouraged, and young people are prepared to think independently”.

The statement, which was issued by the Commissioners responsible for research, education and the rule of law, says that freedom of scientific research is already recognised as one of the core values and principles of the 2021 Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, placing it at the heart of the European Research Area (ERA). The Commission says that its…