The Education Department is pleased to announce the release of the first two policy briefs in our Academic Freedom Insights series:

- Political Interference in Academic Freedom

- SLAPPs and other Legal Threats Against Academics

These publications mark the beginning of a ten-part series designed to explore pressing challenges to academic freedom, raise awareness, and support policy development across Europe and beyond. The Academic Freedom Insights series builds on the work of the Council of Europe Expert Working Group on the Democratic Mission of Higher Education and reflects key priorities identified by its members.

On this occasion, online webinar “Political Interference and Academic Freedom: Navigating Growing Pressures in Europe and Beyond" will take place in presence of the authors to present and discuss the new publications.

This event will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of political interference in higher education and its implications for academic freedom.

The series will continue with briefs on topics including foreign interference in academia, online harassment, self-censorship, and the role of public and private actors in safeguarding academic freedom. Each set of three briefs will be accompanied by a dedicated webinar to foster dialogue and exchange.

The insights from this series will also contribute to the development of a new Council of Europe Committee of Ministers Recommendation on Academic Freedom, expanding upon the existing Recommendation CM/Rec(2012)07.

Stay tuned for the next publications and events in the Academic Freedom Insights series.