Serbia's Government Decree Cuts University Professors' Research Time, Sparking Outrage

May 17, 2025 – Belgrade, Serbia

In a controversial move, the Serbian government has enacted a decree significantly reducing the amount of time university professors can dedicate to research, effectively slashing their salaries and undermining academic advancement. Critics argue that this decision serves as retaliation against educators who have shown support for student-led protests demanding systemic reforms.

The Decree and Its Implications

The new regulation mandates that university professors allocate 35 hours of their 40-hour workweek to teaching activities, leaving only 5 hours for scientific or artistic research. Previously, the standard allocation was 20 hours for teaching and 20 hours for research. This drastic reduction has profound implications for academic institutions, as it diminishes the time available for scholarly pursuits, potentially jeopardizing the quality of education and research output.N1

Critics contend that the decree is not a genuine attempt to reform higher education but rather a punitive measure aimed at professors who have supported student protests. Voja Radovanović, Dean of the University of Belgrade Faculty of Physics, described the decree as an "attempt to punish the teachers and fellows who have supported their students." He expressed concern that such actions could lead to the exclusion of "undesirable" individuals from the academic community .VremeN1

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

Legal experts have raised alarms about the constitutionality of the decree. Attorney Rodoljub Šabić criticized the regulation as "factually and legally unsustainable," suggesting that it may constitute a criminal offense due to the overstepping of governmental authority and the potential harm inflicted upon university professors . In response, the University of Belgrade has submitted an initiative to the Constitutional Court, seeking an evaluation of the decree's constitutionality and legality .The GuardianVremeVreme

Academic and Public Response

The academic community has voiced strong opposition to the decree. Over 2,200 teachers, associates, and researchers from various universities across Serbia have signed a letter expressing their support for students engaged in protests and condemning the government's actions . Many professors argue that the decree undermines the fundamental principles of higher education and academic freedom.VremeVreme

Public demonstrations have erupted in response to the decree, with students and faculty members organizing protests to demand the repeal of the regulation. These protests have garnered widespread attention, highlighting the growing discontent with government policies perceived as detrimental to the academic sector.

International Reactions

The international academic community has expressed concern over the situation in Serbia. An open appeal signed by over 4,500 academics from various countries has called for support for Serbian students and professors and urged the European Commission to take action against systemic corruption affecting the country's education system . However, some Serbian academics have criticized the European Union for its perceived inaction, suggesting that the EU's response has been insufficient and inconsistent .sciencebusiness.net

Conclusion

The Serbian government's decree limiting research time for university professors has sparked widespread outrage and legal challenges. Critics argue that the regulation is a retaliatory measure against educators supporting student protests and that it threatens the integrity of higher education in Serbia. As legal proceedings unfold and public demonstrations continue, the future of academic freedom and institutional autonomy in Serbia hangs in the balance.