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The fifth webinar in the EUA series "Toward Tirana 2024, the Bologna Process and developments in the EHEA" provided an overview of current discussions on fundamental values and investigate what these mean for universities in Europe. The event, which was entitled “Protecting fundamental values in the European Higher Education Area”, took place on Tuesday 26 March 2024 from 14.00 to 15.00 CET.
In recent years, a consensus has emerged that fundamental values, including academic freedom and integrity and institutional autonomy, are under pressure in several European countries. This webinar presented recent discussions on what fundamental values are and how they are being undermined, as well as point to how they can or should be protected, focusing on work conducted within the Bologna Process and in other policy contexts. In addition, the webinar highlighted the role of higher education institutions – their leadership and wider communities – in upholding values. Specifically, it addressed how crises are dealt with at the institutional level and clarify how policy initiatives may support institutions in pursuing values-based approaches. Finally, speakers were invited to reflect on the contradictions and challenges that may be arise when balancing the respect of fundamental values with key strategic decisions of universities.
Speakers
Monika Steinel, Deputy Secretary General of the European University Association, introduced and moderated the webinar.