foreign private universities

Greek parliament approves private foreign universities, bucking protests [PHOTOS]

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Greek parliament approves private foreign universities, bucking protests [PHOTOS]

Greece’s parliament passed a bill allowing foreign private universities to establish branches in the country, approved by 159 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated the legislation aims to reduce the number of Greek students studying abroad and align Greece with the rest of the European Union by boosting competition in higher education. The bill has faced weeks of student protests, with concerns over the devaluation of public university degrees and job prospects. Additionally, the government’s reform agenda includes a same-sex marriage law passed last month. Greece allocates 3%-4% of its GDP to education, below the EU average, but the bill includes provisions for increased funding for state universities.

Greek parliament approves private foreign universities, bucking protests

by
Greek parliament approves private foreign universities, bucking protests

Greece’s parliament approved a bill allowing foreign private universities to establish branches in the country, despite student protests. The legislation passed with 159 votes in the 300-seat parliament. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis argued that the move would counter the trend of Greek students studying abroad and align Greece with European Union standards, enhancing competition in higher education. The bill is part of broader government reforms, including a recent same-sex marriage law. It also promises increased funding for state universities. Protests against the bill included a significant rally outside parliament, with some incidents of violence reported.