Uladzimir Dunaeu: On the most critical points we rather observe regress in higher education

Neither situation with freedom, nor with self-government in Belarusan system of education became better, a member of the public Bologna Committee says.

Recently the Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory delegation made its first visit to Belarus, the country where academic freedoms are confined. Uladzimir Dunaeu, professor of philosophy, a former Vice Rector of the EHU, the member of the public Bologna committee took part in this meeting and answered the questions of “EuroBelarus” Information Service before.

In the interview with Euroradio Uladzimir Dunaeu one more time emphasized that neither situation with freedom, nor with self-government in Belarus became better: "Belarus did not comply with recommendations on the most critical points, such as academic freedom, university autonomy, student participation in university management. We rather observe regress here. As for structural reforms, there is progress. But it's rather a promise of progress."

The expert notes that this time Belarus can eventually join the Bologna process. Much depends on the willingness of Belarus to demonstrate European transformations, adds Uladzimir Dunaeu.

Let us recall that it was in 2012 that Education Ministers of the European Higher Education Area considered application of Belarus to join the Bologna process last time. Then the question was removed from the agenda, because Belarus did not comply with the principles of the Bologna process.