Slovak universities facing financial collapse

The Slovak Rectors Conference (SRK) warned on Tuesday that universities in Slovakia are facing an imminent danger of collapse and urged the Government to remedy their financing and compensate for shortages caused by the energy crisis. If this is not done the universities will shut down as of November 17, reads a statement provided to TASR news agency by Lubica Benkova of the Rectors Conference. The statement reads in part: "Universities are on the brink of collapse. There has been no development in recent years, but today we can't even expect their dignified survival, or survival in any form for that matter." The statement pointed to cuts in the university budgeting in 2021 and 2022, as well as the additional planned slashing of the 2023 budget by €72 million. Under these circumstances, the Rectors claim, it is no longer possible to operate universities in Slovakia. They added that the university sector is instrumental for economic growth and the building of a knowledge-based society.