Study reviews legal protections for academic freedom

As part of the annual European Parliament Academic Freedom Monitor, a study was published which assesses the protection of academic freedom within the Union. The 2024 edition of the Monitor includes two comprehensive studies, one of which was released on 7 April 2025. This study provides:

1. An overview of constitutional provisions safeguarding academic freedom in all 27 EU Member States, offering a comparative perspective.
2. A detailed analysis of the legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in four selected Member States, highlighting best practices and gaps.
3. An exploration of the EU’s role in strengthening academic freedom protections, outlining the scope of current Union-level competencies and actions.

The study concludes by proposing potential EU-level policies, including both legislative and non-legislative measures, aimed at bolstering academic freedom across the EU. Advocates hope these findings will lead to meaningful reforms and stronger commitments to preserving academic independence in the EU.

Academic Freedom Monitor 2024: Overview of de jure academic freedom protection