Statement

The Czech Rectors Conference (CRC) does not agree with the proposal of the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic to amend the rules for cofinancing of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), which presumes a significant increase in the rate of cofinancing on the part of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the position of a final beneficiary in the transition regions and in the territory of the capital city of Prague.

The submitted proposal fundamentally threatens the ability of HEIs to use these important development resources for further development of excellence both in the field of education as well as in science and research, which is one of the strategic priorities of the Czech Republic. The consequence would be further reduction of funds flowing into the field of education, when the proposal does not only concern higher education, but also regional education, under the circumstances when support for education and research at HEIs from the state budget of the Czech Republic is reaching an all-time low. CRC appeals to reject the proposed changes.

Brno, 15 June 2023