Tsjechisch minister van onderwijs beantwoordt vragen over zijn EU-beleidsterrein (en)

Tuition fees at higher education institutions, the Lisbon Treaty, research at EU and US universities, the European Year of Creativity and Innovation – these and other topics featured in the European chat.

Petr Coufal, 19 February, 7:53

Dear Minister, I personally agree with the introduction of tuition fees at universities. I am glad that you have decided to promote this measure. However, I would like to know what the situation is in this area in other EU Member States. Do you know in which countries state higher education institutions require tuition fees and in which they don’t? What is your personal estimate - when will tuition fees be introduced in the Czech Republic ?

reply, 19 February 2009, 12:22

Let me put this right. In compliance with the programme of the Green Party and the Government Programme Declaration, this Government will not introduce tuition fees and I don’t promote this measure. What I do promote however is an open debate on all the aspects of the systems of higher education institutions and on the possibility to use them to promote more equality in access to education. This is why I think that discussion on this topic must be free of ideological bias. A wrong system of tuition fees will increase social inequality while a good system may strengthen the solidarity of the rich with less well-off students and in addition may increase the motivation and sense of responsibility of students as well as of schools towards them. The bill that I will submit this year to the Government and the Parliament will not provide for the introduction of tuition fees. I myself think that we should start by introducing a system of financial support for students via scholarships, loans and savings. We can begin to consider introducing tuition fees only when this system has been working well for a couple of years - not before, as this would create a social barrier. Thus my estimate is that tuition fees cannot be introduced before 2014. Tuition fees are required in some countries and not in others, but all this must be seen in context. In some countries students don’t pay tuition fees but taxation is almost as high as 50%... Elsewhere there are tuition fees but taxes are relatively lower. All in all, there is no clear benchmark.

Jaromír Brezský, 19 February 2009, 8:21

Good morning, I would like to address my question to you as one of the advocates of the Lisabon Treaty, approved yesterday by the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic: 1) Why is MEP Železný not right that the adoption of the Treaty may open up the issue of the so-called Beneš Decrees? What are your arguments against this statement? 2) If the Treaty were not adopted, would it be a serious problem for the Czech Presidency?

reply, 19 February 2009, 12:56

MEP Železný is not right, since the Lisbon Treaty cannot be applied retroactively. Besides, the Beneš Decrees do not fall within the remit of the EU at all. Thus, Mr Železný and Ms Bobošíková are only conjuring up demons of the past, which the EU is trying to overcome. After all, there is nothing like creating an atmosphere of danger right before the elections to the European Parliament and presenting oneself as the protector. Both MEPs already did this in the past and it paid off. I hope that it was for the last time. And now your second question: It would certainly be a problem for the Czech Presidency, a problem of political rather than technical nature. Any situation can be solved, but at what the costs? If the Treaty were not adopted or, worse, if it were rejected, we would really hinder the process of integration. The negotiations would have to start anew, almost from the very beginning. While the Irish already have a clear idea of the organisation of a second referendum and the Germans are expecting a ruling of the Constitutional Court in the nearest future, the Czechs, who are moreover holding the EU Presidency, would put this process into reverse. It would be a blatant example of our inability to perceive a common European interest and it would show that we give precedence to our own petty skirmishes. It would definitely harm our country and our political reputation.

Alex Sepic, 19 February 2009, 7:49

Dear Minister, what can the EU do in order to become an equal opponent to the United States in the field of research at universities and other research facilities? A lot of people who want to do serious research in medicine, biology, chemistry etc. leave Europe and go to the USA. What can the EU do to make them stay? Will there be some coordinated all-European research programmes?

reply, 19 February 2009, 12:06

I do not think we should become opponents, but rather compete with universities and science from outside the EU. The EU’s priority in this respect is definitely a more coordinated approach in strengthening tertiary education and innovation capacity. It cannot be done by a single legislative act or one initiative. We must continue building a common area of European research (Ljubljana Process) and establishing the European Higher Education Area. One aspect of this, the enhanced partnership between the sphere of education and business, is one of the priorities of the Czech Presidency. Instead of brain drain we must achieve brain gain. Thus, all we do must be - in its complexity - relevant to the conditions in which European scientists and students pursue their research and studies.

Lajos Bacz, 19 February 2009, 8:25

Dear Minister, what does it mean that we have a "European Year of Creativity and Innovation"? Does it have any practical meaning and a real effect on our lives? Thank you.

reply, 19 February 2009, 12:42

The tradition of a thematic European year is of course of symbolic nature. If we want to increase and support the innovative and creative capacity of European citizens, we must work on these issues continuously. Thus, this year gives us the opportunity to link various events, initiatives and legislative procedures to make these values more visible and strengthen them in a sustainable manner within our policies. For more information go to http://www.msmt.cz/eu-presidency-2009/the-european-year-of-creativity-and-innovation

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