Letter of Solidarity of the Centre for European Studies and the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity and the European Narratives, University of Helsinki, Finland

12 February 2019

Letter of Solidarity to Hungarian Academy of Sciences in Support of Academic Freedom – Centre for European Studies and the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity and the European Narratives, University of Helsinki, Finland

To the President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences

Dear Prof. László Lovász:

As professors and directors of the University Helsinki, Finland, we share your crucial concern over the recent governmental attacks on the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and academic freedom in Hungary in general. We are especially alarmed by the “program of excellence,” announced this year. We have been informed that the planned program violates the fundamental principles of academic freedom. We researchers of history and current-day Europe wish to stay on your side and repeat that academic freedom is one of the key elements of a democracy and rule of law.

We ask the Hungarian government to respect the freedom and independence of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and its research institutes and guarantee their functioning. We strongly support your demands for independent and scholarly oversight of research and staff.

Sincerely
Dr. Juhana Aunesluona, Director of the Center for European Studies
Dr. Pamela Slotte, Dr. Reetta Toivanen and Dr. Kaius Tuori, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity and the European Narratives
University of Helsinki

 

The original letter can be downloaded from here.