Almost two years after Obuda University, together with several other restructured Hungarian universities, initiated legal action to challenge its exclusion from the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs, the Grand Chamber of nine judges of the General Court of the European Union held a hearing in Luxembourg on September 10, 2025. The institution was represented at the hearing by Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, Rector of Obuda University.
In December 2022, the European Commission decided that Hungarian universities operating under the foundation-based model would no longer be eligible for funding from the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs. In Obuda University’s view, this decision is discriminatory, politically motivated rather than professionally justified, and failed to duly consider the lawful and compliant operation of the institutions concerned.
Following the hearing, Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács emphasized:
“Obuda University—just like the other affected institutions—has complied with all relevant regulations, and its operations are transparent and lawful. We are convinced that education, knowledge, and research are universal values that must remain free from any external influence. Our goal now is nothing less than to restore the rights of our students and researchers and to secure a fair, depoliticized regulatory environment for all Hungarian universities in accessing EU programs.”
He added:
“The primary mission of universities is to contribute to the advancement of society, both nationally and internationally, through science, education, and innovation. Exclusion from the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs not only deprives students and researchers of vital opportunities, but in the long run also undermines the integrity, competitiveness, and credibility of the European scientific and educational community.”
Obuda University firmly believes that access to European educational and research programs must not become subject to political bargaining. Exclusion restricts the opportunities of students, faculty, and researchers, thereby closing off professional and personal development paths that are of great value for Europe’s knowledge-based society.
In the next stage of the proceedings, deliberations and judgment are expected. Obuda University trusts that the Court of Justice of the European Union will deliver a fair, lawful, and forward-looking decision, enabling the affected Hungarian higher education institutions to return as full participants in the Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programs.
