In a statement, the Associations argue that the rectors’ meeting will focus on the continuation and “specialisation” of an anti-education agenda aligned with EU policy directions. They say the consequences are already being felt daily across universities and student life.
They point to a cut of €42 million in university funding in the state budget, describing conditions inside institutions as “explosive”, with major shortages in teaching staff, equipment, laboratories, infrastructure and student welfare. They also cite ageing buildings and the lack of long-overdue flood and earthquake protection works, claiming recent severe weather underscored the risks.
The statement also criticises research funding priorities, alleging that millions are being channelled into projects linked to “imperialist war aims”, and refers to a “war” conference at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki that was reportedly cancelled after student, staff and researcher mobilisation.
On expulsions, the Student Associations accuse the government of implementing the measure “ruthlessly”, while highlighting remarks attributed to the minister that expulsions “free” students who are “trapped” without a substantive link to their studies. They argue the government narrative about “eternal students” was exposed by the “final lists”, which they say include young workers juggling multiple jobs and even students still within the four-year standard period. They also cite a ministry announcement stating that, after expulsion from a public university, a student can enrol in a private one, claiming this reveals the real purpose of the policy.
The Associations further denounce plans the government is said to be implementing this year: removing pedagogical competence from the degrees of first-, second- and third-year students in teacher-training schools. They argue this would mean that a degree would no longer automatically grant access to teaching work. Under the proposed model, pedagogical competence would be obtained through separate paid programmes lasting at least two semesters, with admission caps and entry criteria. They frame this as another step in turning education and training into a commodity, alongside what they describe as an endless chase for postgraduate degrees and certificates.
They add that rising living costs are forcing families to pay more to keep students in higher education, while estimating that around half of students work alongside their studies.
The Student Associations are calling for modern, public, genuinely free higher education; “valuable” degrees with full professional rights; the abolition of the expulsions law; and increased state funding “for our needs, not for wars”. They say they will mobilise at the Rectors’ Conference in Volos on 30 January, and will escalate with a protest at the Ministry of Education in Athens on Friday 6 February at 12:00.
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