Academic Freedom: Current Trends in Italy and Serbia

This paper explores current trends and the state of academic freedom within the European Union. Academic freedom represents a fundamental value of higher education and research, serving as a vital prerequisite not only for the proper functioning of academia but also for the health of democratic societies. In recent years, in the European Union, major concerns about the state of academic freedom have been raised by different stakeholders. Growing concerns have emerged among various stakeholders regarding its erosion across the European Union. These concerns stem from both internal pressures—such as government interventions, political influence, and funding cuts—and external geopolitical developments, all of which have negatively impacted academic freedom. Despite the increasing attention the topic receives, there is no universally accepted definition of academic freedom within the European Union. To address this gap, the paper focuses on two case-studies, Serbia and Italy, drawing out differences and similarities across different political regimes.