Question écrite de
Mme Dolors MONTSERRAT
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Commission européenne
Subject: Violation of fundamental rights by the University of Barcelona
A recent court ruling in Catalonia condemned the University of Barcelona for violating the fundamental rights to freedom of speech, ideological freedom and freedom of education by approving a manifesto of support for pro-independence politicians convicted by the Spanish Supreme Court.
The manifesto called for the annulment of legal proceedings which had been carried out with all guarantees in a full democracy, which Spain is.
In this context, 24 MEPs sent a letter to the Commission which misrepresented the facts and called on the Spanish authorities not to interfere with statements by the governing bodies of Catalan universities, which is not what happened since the case was brought by four teachers and a pupil who felt that their fundamental rights had been infringed, and this was recognised in the court ruling and also by the Spanish Ombudsman.
1. Does the Commission consider that the governing bodies of universities should respect the principle of ideological neutrality?
2. Does the Commission condemn attempts to manipulate reality and go against the values and principles of the prevailing legal order?
Answer given by Ms Gabriel on behalf of the European Commission
(13 April 2021)
Pursuant to Article 165 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, the Union shall contribute to the development of quality education by encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, by supporting their action, while fully respecting their responsibility for the content of teaching and the organisation of education systems.
The Commission takes action to encourage and complement Member States’ activities in the field of education, while respecting their overall responsibility for educational policy.
The Commission considers the respect of freedom of expression a prerequisite for the proper functioning of academic institutions, as highlighted in the communication on achieving a European Education Area by 2025 (1). It is also a fundamental right enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Ensuring academic freedom in higher education is at the core of all higher education policies developed at EU level (2).
It is also one of the key commitments of the intergovernmental Bologna Process, of which Spain and the Commission are members. The statement on academic freedom adopted by the Bologna Ministerial Conference in Rome in 2020 (3) identifies academic freedom as a fundamental democratic right. It must be framed by rigorous scientific and professional standards, respect for the rights of others and ethical conduct.
The Commission, within the remit of its competence, ensures the respect of fundamental rights enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Article 51(1) of the Charter stipulates that its provisions are addressed to Member States only when they are implementing EC law. When unrelated to EC law, it is for Member States to uphold fundamental rights in line with their constitutional order and international commitments.
⋅1∙ https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_1743
⋅2∙ Pursuant to Article 13 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.
⋅3∙ https://ehea2020rome.it/storage/uploads/5d29d1cd-4616-4dfe-a2af-29140a02ec09/BFUG_Final_Draft_Rome_Communique-link.pdf