The cover illustration by Sergio Acquindo of the Report on the Erosion of Academic Freedom in Europe was originally published in Le Monde, “Academics would do well to speak out before it's too late” (2024).

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, academic freedom faces increasing pressures - from legislative and political interference to threats against scholars and shrinking institutional autonomy. The erosion of academic freedom does not occur in isolation; it often signals broader challenges to democratic resilience, freedom of expression, and human rights. As such, protecting academic freedom must be recognised not only as a responsibility of the academic sector but as a shared democratic imperative.

 The Academic Freedom in Action 2025 Conference brought together parliamentarians, state representatives, academics, civil society actors, international organisations, and legal experts to take stock of the current situation, share innovative practices, and explore avenues for coordinated action. Organised by the Council of Europe Education Department, this event is to shape the collective response to increasing threats, and it will mark the launch of the Report on the Erosion of Academic Freedom and the Academic Freedom Insights. These documents provide evidence-based insights into threats, recommend actions for universities, governments, and international partners, while also providing a basis for the continued action and policy development under the Council of Europe’s initiative.

The programme of the Conference features high-level sessions highlighting political, legal, and institutional responses. 

 Session 1 – Academic Freedom and Democratic Institutions: Parliamentary Perspectives  

Academic freedom is closely linked to the state of democratic institutions. Legislators play a decisive role in developing legal and political frameworks that can either protect or undermine academic freedom. This high-level session brought together parliamentarians to reflect on how parliaments, as representatives of the democratic will, can defend academic freedom against infringements and threats, and promote the conditions necessary for open and critical research. This session explored recent initiatives and frameworks at both national and European levels.

 Session 2 – Academic Freedom and the European Court of Human Rights: Legal Pathways and Challenges  

This session explored how freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights intersects with academic freedom, as well as its connections with the right to education under Article 2 of Protocol No. 1 and the rights to private life and freedom of thought, conscience and religion under Articles 8 and 9 of the Convention. The conversation will examine how the Court’s jurisprudence has shaped the understanding of academic freedom to date, and how it could evolve further to provide stronger safeguards. Beyond the legal reasoning, the session also reflected on what this means in practice for academics, universities, and society at large, in contexts where academic freedom is contested. 

 Session 3 – Constitutional and Legal Safeguards for Academic Freedom: Insights from the Venice Commission  

This session explores the constitutional and legal dimensions of academic freedom, drawing on the Venice Commission’s expertise in reinforcing democratic standards and the rule of law. The discussion examined how academic freedom is protected (or reduced) through constitutional texts, legislation, and judicial practice in different member states, and how these protections relate to broader democratic resilience.

 Session 4 – Sanctuary and Solidarity: Defending Scholars, Upholding Democracy  

Programmes supporting at-risk scholars are essential for protecting lives and liberty, as well as defending academic freedom and democratic values. By offering refuge to scholars threatened due to their research, public engagement, or peaceful exercise of their human rights, these programmes safeguard individual lives and the freedom of thought and inquiry essential to democratic societies. 

Co-organised with Scholars at Risk, this session aims for panellists to share insights on developing effective national and regional mechanisms that support at-risk scholars and also strengthen academic freedom and democratic resilience worldwide.

 Session 5 – International Global Currents, Shared Struggles: Academic Freedom under Pressure Worldwide 

Academic freedom is facing growing pressure across regions and political systems. This session explored key developments beyond Europe, highlighting patterns such as restrictive legislation, governance reforms, attacks on institutional autonomy, and pressures arising from geopolitical tensions. By examining diverse regional experiences, the session will consider how global trends intersect, reinforce, or diverge from one another, and how they shape the broader international landscape for academic freedom. It reflected on emerging responses from higher education institutions, civil society, international organisations, and multilateral partnerships, and discuss how global solidarity and cooperation can be strengthened to counter these pressures. The session offered comparative perspectives and identify evolving strategies to protect and promote academic freedom worldwide.

 Session 6 – Reporting from the Frontlines: The Erosion of Academic Freedom in Europe 

Presentation of the Report on the Erosion of Academic Freedom in Europe prepared by experts withing the framework of the Council of Europe’s Working Group on Democratic Mission of Higher Education. The session offered a snapshot of current trends, threats and risks, and proposed avenues for action, drawing on monitoring, case analysis, and stakeholder input.

 Session 7 – Academic Freedom Insights and Policy Development 

The Academic Freedom Insights series, comprising ten policy briefs, builds upon the work of the Council of Europe Expert Working Group on the Democratic Mission of Higher Education. It explores key challenges, opportunities, and threats related to academic freedom, serving both as an awareness-raising tool and a resource for policy development. Each brief addresses a specific dimension of academic freedom, reflecting priority areas identified by the Expert Working Group. 

Beyond raising awareness, the series is a key resource for the Council of Europe’s work on policy development and for partners across Europe and beyond. By promoting dialogue on academic freedom, the Insights series aims to support concrete action to strengthen democratic societies.

 Session 8 – Academic Freedom at the Council of Europe: Linking Values and Practice  

To explore how academic freedom can be more effectively integrated into the wider work of the Council of Europe on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. This session highlighted synergies with other sectors of the Organisation, contributing to the Secretary General’s New Democratic Pact and the Council’s broader efforts to defend fundamental freedoms. 

 Programme of the Conference (PDF)

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