Lívia PavelkaReading time: 2 minutes
On 6 September, our Center for European Studies held a co-organised event with EuroAtlantic Consulting Zrt. on the situation of Hungarian universities and research institutions.
Dr. Áron Fellegi, Chairman of the Board of EuroAtlantic Consulting Zrt. and Rodrigo Ballester, Head of the Center for European Studies opened the event. Rodrigo Ballester underlined that the exclusion of public foundation universities from the European Union's Erasmus and Horizon programmes is a very unfortunate situation. On the one hand, because these two programmes are two iconic programmes of the European Union; on the other hand, because the decision will cause extremely significant damage, not only to the universities maintained by foundations, but to all Hungarian universities.
The main topic of the first panel discussion was an assessment of the current situation. However, in addition to a dry statement of the facts, the panelists were keen to stress that institutions can also participate in international consortia as foundation universities. The speakers stressed that the current situation could create a number of reputational problems for all Hungarian universities, which are now seen as a "risk factor" for international consortia.
The second panel focused mainly on solutions. During the discussion, participants listed three issues that Hungarian academic and innovation stakeholders should focus on in the near future. The panel speakers highlighted the strengthening of bilateral relations, personal international presence and inviting partners to Hungary. They also discussed the importance of staying in touch and browsing the EU's Funding and tenders website. They also stressed that it is always worthwhile to consult a tendering consultancy.
