Austrian Parliament Unanimously Supports Continuation of CEEPUS Higher Education Exchange Program

On March 27, 2025, the Austrian National Council reached a unanimous decision to extend the Central European Exchange Programme for University Studies (CEEPUS), enhancing academic collaboration among universities across Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. The CEEPUS program, which has been in effect since 1995, facilitates the exchange of students and educators among member countries, including Austria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

The current CEEPUS agreement is set to expire at the end of April 2025, prompting the National Council to advocate for the transition to CEEPUS-IV, which will take effect on May 1, 2025. During the session, members of the parliament emphasized the critical role of scientific collaboration and exchange in fostering economic growth and societal development, along with outlining forthcoming initiatives aimed at advancing scientific research.

Federal Minister Eva Maria Holzleitner, who will oversee the science and research agendas going forward, provided insights into the government's planned projects in this sector. She underscored the importance of unrestricted research and scientific inquiry as foundational elements for progress, prosperity, and societal stability. Holzleitner emphasized that safeguarding these values is an investment in future generations, cautioning against ideological interventions that threaten scientific freedom, as observed in recent developments in the United States.

Holzleitner expressed support for the French Science Minister's initiative to promote collaboration with researchers from the U.S., asserting that both the European Union and Austria offer a welcoming environment for international researchers. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing international cooperation in research and science, endorsing the continuation of the successful CEEPUS program.

The government has set explicit objectives for research and science within its program, including increasing the research quota and strengthening the research landscape. Additionally, initiatives are planned to improve student living conditions by reintroducing support for student housing, enhancing study grants, and expanding psychosocial support for students. The launch of a comprehensive higher education strategy for 2040 is also on the horizon, which aims to define the future of higher education in Austria.

Manuel Litzke from the Freedom Party (FPÖ) acknowledged that both students and the economy stand to gain significantly from the CEEPUS program. However, he pointed out the pressing issues faced by students, such as soaring housing costs and overcrowded lecture halls, criticizing the government for lacking sensitivity towards these challenges and failing to propose substantial improvements.

Rudolf Taschner of the People's Party (ÖVP) highlighted the program's historical significance, describing its establishment as a bold and forward-thinking initiative that fosters cultural exchange and enhances knowledge and skills, benefiting society at large. Daniela Gmeinbauer (ÖVP) likened the program to historical practices of learning through travel, emphasizing its value in promoting cross-border cooperation in the heart of Europe.

Heinrich Himmer from the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) reinforced the notion that continuing the successful CEEPUS agreement is vital for boosting cross-border collaboration among universities and enhancing the innovative capacity of participating countries. He noted that many individuals from Eastern Europe have chosen Austria as their educational destination, thus affirming the country's reputation for excellence in science and research.

Antonio Della Rossa (SPÖ) criticized the conflation of scientific facts with personal opinions in political discourse, asserting that scientific truths, such as climate change, should not be challenged. He argued that only through scientific collaboration, exemplified by the CEEPUS program, can future challenges be effectively addressed.

Veit Dengler from the NEOS party described the CEEPUS program as a tangible representation of European integration, predicting that it will contribute to long-term prosperity by attracting talented and educated young individuals to Austria.

In a contrasting viewpoint, Meri Disoski from the Green Party called attention to the democratic movement in Serbia, urging the government to support it. She criticized the Serbian government's actions against the democratic movement and the freedom of scientific inquiry, suggesting that the Austrian government should take a firm stance against these actions.

Overall, the CEEPUS program is recognized as a beneficial initiative that enriches all participants, including students, the economy, and innovation.