Official statement by the universities and research centres of Catalonia to assess the situation created in Catalonia as a result of the actions of the Spanish State in recent days
Today, September 21, the highest authorities of all universities and research centres in Catalonia (some sixty institutions representing almost 90% of the system) have met to assess the situation created in Catalonia as a result of the actions of the Spanish State in recent days. Representatives of the trade unions and student associations also attended the meeting.
It was noted that there has been an affront against the honour of the academic and research institutions of Catalonia, which have been included by the Ministry of Finance and Civil Service in a list of financially controlled entities that are therefore suspicious, in the Ministry’s eyes, of fraudulent evasion of the law. This list has been sent to banks to block and control ordinary economic procedures without any kind of prior or direct forewarning being issued to the said universities and research centres. This has put academic and research activity at risk, even when it is funded using European Union resources or private finance, and has tarnished both the reputation and international credibility of these institutions, which is such a critical aspect for their participation in international projects and for attracting and retaining talent.
Therefore, the attending institutions:
- Demand that the competent authorities of the Spanish State immediately withdraw these totally unprecedented and unacceptable measures;
- Report the serious crisis situation derived from these actions to the European and international authorities.
Meanwhile, regarding the mobilisations that might occur over the following days, the Catalan Association of Public Universities (ACUP) declares that one of the functions of universities is to train highly qualified professionals that at the same time are socially critical and responsible citizens. In this regard, common guidelines shall be agreed shortly to facilitate the participation of students, teaching and research staff and administrative and service personnel in any mobilisations that might occur.
