Serbian minister seeks law to end university politicization

Serbia's Minister of Education, Dejan Vuk Stanković, believes that a new law is essential to tackle the "problem of politicization at universities." He expressed hope that the upcoming parliamentary session, following elections, will enact such legislation. Stanković emphasized the need to reform university governance structures and introduce competition into higher education, suggesting that allowing foreign universities to establish franchises in Serbia is a necessary step.

"We need to change the law – first, to change the management structure (of universities) and introduce the principle of competition in higher education, meaning to create the possibility for foreign universities to have their franchises in Serbia. Otherwise, it cannot be done," Stanković told B92 when asked about resolving the issue of politicization in faculties.

He linked the potential for legislative change to the electoral success of the "United Serbia" list, suggesting that a new law would be part of the program for a future government led by President Vučić. Stanković also addressed the University of Belgrade's drop in the Shanghai rankings, stating that neither the government nor the Ministry of Education is responsible for the decline in scientific work achievements. He described the situation as impossible for scientific work under blockade conditions, calling it a "recipe for failure."

Stanković criticized what he termed "irresponsible public hobbies" that shift blame, asserting that Serbian universities are fully autonomous in their management, teaching, and research. He argued that while universities have been "ruined by politicking," the government has "done everything necessary for higher education in Serbia."

“

Ali mnogo se lako digne prašina i prebaci odgovornost u verbalnom smislu na drugog. I taj neodgovorni javni hobi je umotvorina onih koji bi da izbegnu svoju direktnu, neposrednu i nedvosmislenu odgovornost. Univerziter u Srbiji je u potpunosti autonoman, u pogledu upravljanja, nastave, nauke