Bulgarian Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, expressed the need to reach a resolution between Hungary and the European Commission concerning the EU’s Erasmus and Horizon Europe education and research programmes. She emphasized that

it is crucial not to let students become casualties of political disagreements.

Iliana Ivanova, who assumed her role after the resignation of Bulgarian Commissioner Marija Gabriel from the European Commission, addressed this issue during a hearing in the European Parliament. In response to a question from Fidesz MEP Andrea Bocskor regarding the ongoing debate surrounding EU education and research programmes, she expressed her regret that negotiations between Hungary and the European Commission had reached an impasse.

Iliana Ivanova remarked on the unfortunate situation where young people are missing out on opportunities, emphasizing that ‘rules are rules and must be adhered to.’ She mentioned that if the Hungarian authorities agreed to comply with the legal obligations sought by the European Commission, there would be no hindrance to the disbursement of EU funds.

While she could not promise specific decisions, Ivanova conveyed her willingness to be part of the solution. She stated her intention to assist in facilitating an agreement between the parties involved with more information and goodwill. Furthermore, Ivanova stressed the urgency of the matter, emphasizing the need to maintain dialogue to find a resolution. She pointed out that it would be regrettable if administrative and legal barriers prevented the majority of students from participating in EU programmes. She emphasized that the responsibility now lies with the Hungarian government to meet expectations and find a solution that benefits students, preventing them from becoming victims of political disputes.

In a joint statement, Fidesz MEPs Andrea Bocskor and András Gyürk also underscored the urgent need to resolve the Erasmus issue. Bocskor highlighted that

the European Commission’s actions are discriminatory

and could potentially exclude a significant number of Hungarian universities and students from EU programmes starting in 2024. This, she stated, would put Hungarian students at a substantial competitive disadvantage and diminish the prestige of excellent Hungarian universities. She stressed the urgency of finding a solution promptly.

András Gyürk criticized what he deemed ‘the discrimination of Hungarian students and researchers by Brussels’ as unacceptable and called for immediate action to prevent, as he put it, ‘Brussels bureaucrats from undermining European academic cooperation.’

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Source: Hungarian Conservative/MTI