The European Parliament has published the Academic Freedom Monitor based on 2025 data, delivering a clear message: the trajectory of academic freedom in Europe is worrying.
But what does academic freedom actually mean?
Academic freedom is the right of researchers, teachers and students to conduct research, teach, learn and engage in academic debate without undue external pressure or censorship. Closely linked to academic freedom is the institutional autonomy of higher education institutions – their ability to make independent decisions about research, teaching and their own operations. This is why academic freedom is widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of a democratic society.
The European Parliament’s Academic Freedom Monitor shows that the trend is moving in the wrong direction. In just one year, academic freedom declined in 15 of the EU’s 27 Member States. Looking at the past five years, declines have been recorded in 24 Member States. This is no longer a question of isolated incidents, but of a longer-term trend.
At the same time, it is important to recognise that Europe remains one of the strongest regions in the world when it comes to academic freedom. Nevertheless, the downward trend must be taken seriously. According to the report, academic freedom is facing increasing pressure due to political interference, societal polarisation, challenges to institutional autonomy and changes in the research environment. In many European countries, growing concern has also been raised over the harassment and intimidation of researchers, as well as attempts to silence critical voices.
Academic freedom also belongs in universities of applied sciences
Academic freedom is not only a university issue. Universities of applied sciences are also higher education institutions that educate future professionals while carrying out research, development and innovation (RDI) activities. Through RDI, they generate new knowledge, develop solutions to societal and labour market challenges, and contribute to social innovation and renewal. These responsibilities require the freedom to conduct research, teach and publish independently, as well as the ability to engage in open and critical discussion.
The erosion of academic freedom in Europe therefore does not concern universities alone. It affects the entire higher education sector, including universities of applied sciences. If the independence of research and teaching is weakened, the consequences will also be felt in RDI activities, cooperation with working life, and in the kinds of questions that can be raised and the innovations that can ultimately be developed.
When academic freedom declines, society’s capacity to produce independent knowledge declines with it. Public debate becomes poorer and the evidence base for decision-making is weakened. Academic freedom is not only an issue for researchers or higher education institutions – it concerns society as a whole. By defending independent research, free teaching and open public debate, we defend the fundamental values of democracy.