The Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SANU) has expressed deep concern over potential changes to the legal status of the University of Priština with temporary headquarters in Kosovska Mitrovica (UPKM), warning that such measures could seriously affect the institution’s functioning and jeopardize the academic future of thousands of students.
In an official statement, SANU noted that the announced changes could undermine working conditions for employees at the university, which operates as an independent higher education institution, and could place at risk the continuation of studies for more than 9,000 students currently enrolled.
The Academy’s Committee for Higher Education voiced full support for the university’s students and faculty, urging the relevant institutions of the Serbian government to respond promptly. Specifically, it called on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation to take the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted educational and research activities within all higher education institutions that are part of UPKM.
SANU stressed that it is essential to safeguard students’ rights to continue their education and obtain recognized academic degrees, emphasizing that the issue goes beyond a single institution and concerns the broader Serbian university system.
According to the Academy, any future decisions related to the university should be made in close consultation with the academic community. The Committee for Higher Education also expressed readiness to provide academic support and expertise to the government of Serbia in efforts aimed at protecting the rights of both staff and students and ensuring the stability of the university’s educational mission.
