Minister praises universities for success amidst EU Erasmus ban
Hungary’s Minister of Culture and Innovation, Balázs Hankó, recently expressed his frustration with the European Commission’s treatment of Hungary in regards to the Erasmus and Horizon programs. In an interview with Origin, he highlighted the unfairness of the situation, stating that despite meeting the Commission’s requirements, Hungary continues to face unjust obstacles.
Hankó emphasized the progress of Hungarian universities in international rankings, with 12 universities among the top five percent globally. However, he raised concerns about the “Brussels factor,” where universities are judged on ideological grounds, impacting their reputation.
Regarding the Pannonia Program, introduced as an alternative to Erasmus, Hankó explained that the Hungarian scholarship program offers a more extensive reach, covering top universities worldwide. He underlined the importance of supporting Hungarian researchers and enhancing talent management in the academic sector.
Nobel Prize winner Ferenc Krausz’s contributions to Hungarian science were also acknowledged, with plans to strengthen research excellence under his guidance. Hankó discussed reforms in the Hungarian Research Network and outlined Hungary’s goal to become one of the top 10 innovators in the EU by 2030.
He emphasized the importance of competitiveness and family-focused policies for demographic strength and a robust Europe. Despite challenges from Brussels, Hankó remains optimistic about Hungary’s potential to drive innovation and contribute to a stronger European community.
