Academic Solidarity e.V.

US President Donald Trump’s restrictions on international scientists continue in his second term. As of 2025, the US government has begun sending out new questionnaires, especially to scientists who receive funding from abroad or work with US-based support. This development is creating concern and distrust among researchers in Europe. Researchers working at some universities are being forced to fill out a questionnaire called “scientific security screening” for projects they conduct with American partners. The questions include the researcher’s international collaborations, political background, funding sources, and even themes in some of the studies they have published.

Trump drew attention with the pressures on Chinese scientists during his first term as president. Now, the same pressure and distrust policy has begun to be applied to European Union countries. In response, the European Commission announced last month that it had developed visa facilitation for researchers from the US and accelerated joint project application mechanisms compatible with Horizon Europe funds. This will allow scientists in the US to face less bureaucracy when they want to work at institutions in Europe or conduct temporary research. EU officials say this process is strategic both in terms of protecting scientific freedom and attracting talent.

The Trump administration’s new repressive policies towards science are making scientific cooperation with the US difficult, while creating new opportunities for Europe. European universities, especially those that emphasize principles such as funding independence, freedom of publication and research security, could crown these developments with a reverse brain drain. This process could change not only scientific production but also the direction of global knowledge flows.

Systemic attacks on Alawite communities in Syria since the beginning of 2025 have caused great concern in the international community and human rights organizations. According to reports from reliable sources such as the BBC, Wikipedia and the Association for Peoples in Danger (Gesellschaft für bedrohte Völker – GfbV), Alawite villages in the rural areas of Idlib and Latakia in particular have been the target of coordinated attacks by radical groups.

Increase in Attacks and Signs of Possible Ethnic Cleansing

According to the BBC’s report on February 15, 2025, massacres and forced displacements have been taking place in Alawite villages in recent months, with no distinction made between women, children and the elderly. It is reported that hundreds of civilians have lost their lives in the attacks and many are missing.

The Wikipedia page titled “2025 Massacres of Syrian Alawites” states that the attacks were organized by radical organizations such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The villages around Qadmus, Safita and Masyaf were particularly targeted. These attacks raise suspicions of “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide” because they were systematic, based on religious identity and targeted civilians. International Silence and Academic Responsibility

In its statement dated February 26, 2025, GfbV (Association for Endangered Peoples) criticized the silence and inadequate response of the international community and called for an immediate investigation into the attacks on Alevis as crimes of genocide. The organization emphasized that academic circles, human rights organizations and governments in particular should not remain indifferent to this process.

The Importance of Academic Solidarity

These attacks on Alevis are not just a sectarian conflict, but a deep crisis in terms of international human rights and genocide law. As academic communities, it is an ethical responsibility to condemn violence based on sect, ethnicity or belief and to be the voice of the victims.

Silence is Being Complicit in Crime

Another news report by the BBC on February 28, 2025 emphasizes that the inadequate responses of international institutions embolden radical groups. History shows us that remaining silent in the face of similar attacks in the past has led to greater disasters.

Therefore, strengthening the call for academic and social solidarity against the attacks on Alawites in Syria is not only a humanitarian but also a moral duty.

The European Union provides international cooperation and funding opportunities for academics, researchers, teachers, NGO representatives and students working in different fields such as education, research, innovation, culture, human rights and health. This week we would like to present examples of such programs.

1. Erasmus+ Program: Support in Education, Youth and Sport

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship program in the fields of education, youth and sport. The new Erasmus+ program, covering the period 2021-2027, funds projects in the following areas

• Higher education projects: Academic collaborations, student and staff mobility, joint study programs.
• School education and vocational training: Teacher and student exchanges, innovative educational approaches.
• Youth and Sport projects: Activities that promote active participation of young people, solidarity and inclusion.

For detailed information and application: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

2. Horizon Europe: Europe’s Future in Research and Innovation

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s largest funding program for science, technology and innovation. It supports projects with a total budget of approximately €95.5 billion in 2021-2027. The program supports projects in the following main areas:

• Health, Digitalization, Social issues such as Energy, Environment.
• Research and Innovation Partnerships: Collaborations between universities, companies, NGOs.
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie scholarships: Researcher mobility and career development.

For detailed information and application: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/horizon2020

Current calls: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal

3. Creative Europe: Support for Culture and Creative Industries

Creative Europe is a major European Commission support program for institutions working in the field of culture, arts and media. It aims to strengthen cultural diversity, artistic expression and media freedom.

• Joint projects, festivals, publishing projects, film and media production are supported.

Detailed information: https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe

4. CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) Program: Funds for Democracy and Human Rights

CERV funds NGOs and public institutions working in the fields of fundamental rights, democracy, gender equality, anti-discrimination and raising citizenship awareness.

• Gender equality, human rights, democracy projects.

Detailed information: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/citizens-equality-rights-and-values-programme-cerv_en

5. EU4Health: Innovative Projects in Health

EU4Health supports projects to strengthen health systems, fight disease and improve health across Europe. It offers opportunities for stronger and more resilient health systems post-pandemic.

• Public health, mental health, digital health solutions, health equity projects.

Detailed information: https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health_en

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to establish international collaborations.
• Academic and professional development.
• Social contribution through innovative projects.
• New experiences for young people and teachers.

How to Apply?

• If you have a project idea, follow the appropriate grant calls.
• Collaborate with domestic and international partners.
• Contact country national agencies and offices that offer guidance on the application process (Erasmus+ National Agency: https://www.ua.gov.tr).

Important Note: Local seminars and information meetings are frequently organized for academics, NGOs and other organizations interested in applying for projects. You can attend these meetings and learn about the application process.

European funds offer unique opportunities for projects that contribute to making societies more inclusive, innovative and fair. We invite everyone who wants to shape the future to take advantage of these programs!

According to the “Freedom in the World 2025” report published by Freedom House, Türkiye was among the top 10 countries that experienced the greatest decline in freedoms in the last decade. Other countries where authoritarianism increased the most during this period include Nicaragua, Tunisia, El Salvador and Tanzania.

Freedom House evaluates freedoms under two main headings: political rights and civil liberties. The report states that Türkiye has experienced significant decline in both areas, and draws attention to serious problems in judicial independence, freedom of the press, freedom of expression and political pluralism in particular. Turkey has been in the “not free country” category since 2018.

Academic Freedoms and Scientific Independence Under Threat

The report also placed special emphasis on the decline of academic freedoms. It stated that the autonomy of universities in Turkey is systematically restricted, rectors are appointed based on political loyalty rather than academic merit, and critical thought is suppressed in academia. The dismissal of thousands of academics and the closure of some universities since 2016 have seriously damaged academic freedom in the country. This situation, by undermining scientific independence and academic innovation, could negatively affect Türkiye’s scientific and economic development in the long term.

Electoral Manipulation and Democratic Backsliding

According to the report, electoral manipulation is a growing source of concern. It states that in past elections in Türkiye, state resources were used in favor of the government, opposition candidates were disqualified through the judiciary, and public opinion was manipulated through media control. This situation reduces the effectiveness of democratic mechanisms and narrows the space for the opposition and civil society to move.

Türkiye in the Global Context

According to Freedom House data, Türkiye has become the eighth country in the world to have experienced the greatest democratic decline in the last decade. Other countries where freedoms have declined more rapidly include Nicaragua, Tunisia, El Salvador, Tanzania, Niger, Hong Kong and Serbia. The report emphasized that freedoms have declined for the 19^th consecutive year in the world, and that in 2024 alone, 60 countries have seen a decline in political rights and civil liberties.

The Freedom House report shows that if the current political and academic pressure in Turkey continues, there could be permanent damage to both democracy and scientific development. Protecting academic freedoms and rebuilding democratic values are vital to Türkiye’s future development.

Spain has seen remarkable economic growth in recent years thanks to its open immigration policies. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow by 3.2% in 2024, and much of this growth is due to the contribution of its immigrant workforce. Immigrants, particularly from Latin America and Africa, played a significant role in the labor market, filling approximately 409,000 of the 468,000 new jobs created. This contributed to the unemployment rate falling to its lowest level since 2008.

Spain’s approach holds important lessons for other European countries struggling with aging populations and low birth rates. Integrating immigrants into the economy not only closes the labor gap, but also contributes to the sustainability of social security systems. The example of Spain shows that well-managed immigration policies can boost economic growth.

In contrast, anti-immigrant policies and rhetoric are on the rise in some developed countries, such as Germany. While support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is growing in Germany, this is making it harder for immigrants to integrate into the country and has negative impacts on the labor market. Experts warn that such policies could negatively impact economic growth and deepen the labor shortage in the long term.

While Spain’s inclusive and open policies towards immigrants play an important role in economic growth and employment growth, adopting anti-immigrant policies can lead to economic stagnation and labor shortages in the long run. Therefore, it would be beneficial for Germany and other developed countries to reassess their immigration policies and adopt more inclusive and integration-supporting approaches, both economically and socially.

The Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance (Zentralinstitut für die kassenärztliche Versorgung – Zi) is continuing its “KWEX” study that began last year and is launching a nationwide online survey of employed doctors and psychotherapists in practices and medical care centers (MVZ). The aim of this survey is to gain detailed insights into the professional careers, current employment situation and future professional plans of these specialists. The survey runs until February 28, 2025.

In recent years, the proportion of employed doctors in outpatient care has risen continuously. Currently, almost 30% of all doctors working in practices and MVZs are employed, with a clear upward trend.

This development brings with it specific challenges that need to be addressed:

1. Working conditions and working time models: Many employed professionals strive for a better work-life balance, which leads to increased part-time work. However, this trend can exacerbate the existing shortage of doctors and affect the care situation.
2. Economic pressure: In medical care centers, cost optimization is often the main focus. This can lead to increased pressure on employees, especially when financial investors are involved who primarily aim to maximize profits.
3. Staff shortages: Both in MVZs and in individual practices, there are difficulties in recruiting specialist staff. In 2019, 30% of MVZs reported problems in filling medical positions, especially in general surgery.
4. Aggressive patient behavior: An increasing number of attacks on medical staff is a serious problem. Surveys show that a significant proportion of practice teams are regularly confronted with aggressive behavior from patients, which increases the workload and stress levels.

The results of the “KWEX” study are intended to help better understanding these and other challenges and to develop solutions that both improve the working conditions of employed specialists and ensure patient care in the long term.

In recent years, the rise of right-wing populism around the world has had a clear impact on universities, parallel to the decline in human rights and democracy. This has brought about an environment where academic freedoms and freedom of expression are under threat. The rise of right-wing populism threatens academic freedoms and freedom of expression in universities. In particular, the targeting of critical thinking and protests in universities by governments and politicians undermines the independence of the academic environment.

In this context, the presidential decree signed by US President Donald Trump to deport foreign students participating in demonstrations in support of Palestine constitutes a concrete example that threatens freedom of expression in universities. The Trump administration has announced plans to revoke visas for students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on charges of “anti-Semitism.” This decision could lead to restrictions on democratic debate and protests at universities in the United States.

With the rise of right-wing populism, racism and authoritarian tendencies are also gaining strength. This weakens diversity and inclusiveness policies at universities and reduces sensitivity to discrimination. In addition, authoritarian governments’ efforts to monitor and suppress universities threaten academic freedom.

In this respect, the government’s efforts to restrict academic freedom during Boris Johnson’s term as prime minister in the United Kingdom are noteworthy. The Johnson administration has taken harsh measures against student protests at universities, and pressure on academics has increased, especially with the rise of anti-Brexit voices. In addition, there have been incidents such as the blocking of funding for some academic research on the grounds that it is incompatible with state policies. Such interventions lead to the weakening of academic independence.

In Poland, academic freedoms have been seriously threatened by the government’s right-wing populist orientation. The country’s Minister of Education has imposed certain political views and adherence to certain ideologies on academic staff, and has encouraged ideological homogeneity by putting pressure on universities. This restricts academics’ right to free thought and research.

In Hungary, serious interventions have been made in the education system since Viktor Orbán came to power. In 2017, Central European University (CEU), one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, was forced to leave Hungary as a result of government pressure. This is one of the most striking examples of the pressures applied by authoritarian regimes to control universities.

In Turkey, academic freedoms and independence at universities have been seriously threatened, especially after 2016. Following the coup attempt in 2016, investigations and arrests of academics accused by the government of “terrorist propaganda” increased, and around 7,000 academics were dismissed from public service by decree laws. One of the most striking examples is the dismissal of 1,128 academics who signed the “We Will Not Be Complicit in This Crime” declaration, published in 2016 and calling for peace, and the arrest of some academics. The government has attempted to restrict academic freedom by suppressing critical thought in universities. In addition, important decisions such as academic appointments and university presidencies have been given to people who are closer to the government’s political line. These interventions have weakened universities’ ability to conduct independent research and provide students with a free education. Universities in Turkey operate under much greater government control and less freedom in public debate.

We can say that academic thought and freedom of research are at risk on a global scale today. The public, civil society organizations and academic institutions should cooperate to take measures in this regard.

A draft immigration law prepared in collaboration between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) parties in Germany was rejected by a narrow margin in the Bundestag with 338 votes in favor, 349 against, and 5 abstentions.

A bill presented by CDU leader Friedrich Merz and aiming to tighten immigration policies was brought to parliament with the support of the AfD. This collaboration was considered a violation of the principle of not cooperating with far-right parties, which has long been applied in German politics, and it had a wide repercussion in the public opinion.

The bill envisaged restricting the family reunification rights of refugees with subsidiary protection status and granting the federal police greater powers over refugees who will be deported. However, it faced fierce opposition, especially from the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and the Green Party (Die Grünen). SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich said to Merz, “This shame will be remembered forever.”

This development is of great importance for immigrants and academia in Germany. The tightening of immigration policies could create obstacles for international students and academics who want to study or work in Germany. It could also negatively affect the integration processes of existing immigrants.

On the other hand, the CDU’s cooperation with the AfD indicates a significant change in Germany’s political culture. This situation is questioning the country’s democratic values and traditional boundaries between political parties.

While the rejection of the immigration bill provides relief for immigrants and academics in Germany, the cooperation between the CDU and the AfD seems to have profound effects on the country’s political future and social dynamics.