Academic freedom is a cornerstone of democratic societies and an essential condition for independent research, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. Yet across Europe and globally, it faces growing pressures: political and legislative interference, intimidation of scholars, and shrinking institutional autonomy. These developments often signal broader challenges to democratic resilience, freedom of expression, and human rights. Protecting academic freedom must therefore be recognised as a shared democratic responsibility, fully aligned with the priorities set out in the Secretary General’s New Democratic Pact.
To respond to these challenges, the Council of Europe will convene Academic Freedom in Action 2025 on 25–26 November in Strasbourg. Bringing together parliamentarians, state representatives, academics, civil society organisations, international partners, and legal experts, the conference will take stock of current trends, present innovative practices, and explore avenues for coordinated and sustainable action.
Programme highlights
The conference will feature a series of high-level sessions addressing political, legal, and institutional responses:
- Academic Freedom and Democratic Institutions: Parliamentary Perspectives
Parliamentarians will reflect on how legislative and political frameworks can protect academic freedom and strengthen the conditions for open and critical inquiry.
- Academic Freedom and the European Court of Human Rights: Legal Pathways and Challenges
Judges of the European Court of Human Rights and legal experts will examine how the Court’s case law under Articles 10, 8, 9, and Article 2 of Protocol No. 1 shapes the protection of academic freedom.
- Constitutional Safeguards: Insights from the Venice Commission
This session explores the constitutional and legal dimensions of academic freedom across member states and their links to democratic resilience.
- Sanctuary and Solidarity: Defending Scholars, Upholding Democracy
Co-organised with Scholars at Risk, this session will present national and regional programmes that support at-risk scholars and strengthen the democratic mission of higher education.
- Global Currents, Shared Struggles
A comparative discussion of academic freedom pressures beyond Europe, including recent developments in the United States, and the opportunities for strengthened international solidarity.
- Reporting from the Frontlines: The Erosion of Academic Freedom in Europe
Presentation of the new report prepared under the Council of Europe’s Working Group on the Democratic Mission of Higher Education. The report offers evidence-based analysis and recommendations for universities, governments, and international partners, and will support further policy development at the Council of Europe.
- Academic Freedom Insights and Policy Development
Introduction of the new policy brief series supporting awareness, dialogue, and evidence-based policymaking.
- Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression: Synergies Across Sectors
A discussion on integrating academic freedom more fully into the Organisation’s broader work on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, including contributions to the Secretary General’s New Democratic Pact.
In a period of growing uncertainty, Academic Freedom in Action 2025 provides a space not only to diagnose threats, but to catalyse meaningful and coordinated responses. Through dialogue, cooperation, and sustained commitment, the conference aims to reinforce academic freedom as a pillar of democratic life and as a responsibility shared across institutions, sectors, and borders.
Find out more: Conference "Academic Freedom in Action 2025"
Programme of the Conference (PDF)
To participate in the conference, please register via this link.
