UiB gives input to the EU's Defence of Democracy Package
UiB strongly advocates for increased protection of academic freedom and urges the provision of more funding to research in the arts and humanities, as they are essential to a thriving democracy.
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The University of Bergen recently responded to the European Commission's call for evidence on the upcoming Defence of Democracy Policy Package. UiB urges the EU Commission to actively safeguard academic freedom and university autonomy throughout Europe. UiB recommends leveraging existing programmes, such as Horizon Europe, to protect democracy and uphold the rule of law.
Key research areas for strengthening democracy
UiB has identified four crucial research areas that should be prioritized:
Humanities: UiB emphasizes the importance of knowledge in languages, history, and the arts in modern democracies. UiB recommends prioritizing research that fosters a historically and culturally informed public discourse.
European Heritage and Art Research: To promote an understanding of European values of democracy, academic freedom, and inclusion, UiB supports research on European cultural heritage. UiB encourages employing mixed-methods methodologies, including artistic research and participatory methods.
Legal and Political Research: Legal research is crucial in defending resilient democracies and the rule of law. UiB encourages an increased emphasis on research related to the governance of non-state actors, human rights, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Human Rights and AI Research: With growing challenges such as social transformations, democratic participation, climate change, migration, and digitalization, UiB calls for interdisciplinary AI-related research that takes ethical and legal perspectives into account.
Strengthening democratic societies across Europe
UiB believes that by prioritizing research in the abovementioned areas, the European Commission can effectively reinforce democratic societies across Europe.
