MEPs in Strasbourg Discussed Foreign Interference in European Universities
During a plenary session in Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) debated the issue of foreign interference and espionage by non-EU countries in European universities. The discussion highlighted concerns about countries such as China, Russia, and Iran targeting universities for technology transfers, espionage operations, and influencing debates.
Renew Europe MEP, Laurence Farreng, described foreign interference at the university level as a blind spot in policies and warned of the risks of espionage and influence in research. Other MEPs, such as Hannes Heide of the S&D party, pointed out that China is funding European researchers in strategic areas like artificial intelligence and biotechnology, with researchers required to share their knowledge with the Chinese state.
MEPs called for increased transparency in research funding, awareness at universities, and coordination with European intelligence agencies to address foreign interference. While acknowledging China and Russia as main sources of interference, MEPs also emphasized the importance of maintaining academic freedom and autonomy in institutions.
The debate highlighted the need to balance openness with vigilance to safeguard against foreign interference while ensuring that universities remain spaces for research, innovation, and knowledge exchange. The discussion underscored the importance of addressing this issue to protect European universities from external influences.
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