EU condemns designation of European Humanities University as ‘extremist organisation’

The European Union has condemned the decision of the Supreme Court of Belarus to designate the European Humanities University as an “extremist organisation”.

“This ruling is a blatant and unjustified attack on academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the fundamental right to education,” the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) said in a press release published on 15 April.

The European Humanities University (EHU) is a private, non-profit liberal arts university founded in Minsk, Belarus, in 1992. Following its forced closure by the Belarusian authorities in 2004, the EHU relocated to Vilnius, Lithuania.

The EEAS reminded that the European Humanities University has for many years provided high-quality education to Belarusian students, including those forced into exile due to repression in their own country. With EU support, hundreds of Belarusian students have benefited from scholarships and living assistance, enabling them to develop their expertise and contribute to their society.

“Labelling an academic institution as ‘extremist’ is yet another example of the regime’s systematic efforts to silence critical thinking, intimidate young people, and further dismantle civic space inside as well as outside of Belarus. This decision is part of a broader pattern of repression targeting civil society, independent media, and educational actors,” EEAS said.

The European Union reaffirmed its full support for the European Humanities University, its students, faculty, and alumni, and called on the Belarusian authorities to reverse this decision immediately and to cease their ongoing repression against the Belarusian people.

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Press release