Resolution

Czech Rectors Conference (CRC) Plenum adopted at its 157th Meeting the following resolution:

1. CRC is aware of the seriousness of the deteriorating pandemic situation in the Czech Republic. However, the CRC strongly requests that the measures be consulted with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) well in advance and be adopted in accordance with the legal order of the Czech Republic. HEIs are responsible for educating hundreds of thousands of students and have been playing a major role in tackling the difficult situation associated with the coronavirus epidemic since March 2020. Human resources and professional background of HEIs can clearly add value for public administration institutions, including the Ministry of Health and the hygienic stations managed by it.
2. CRC appeals to the Government of the Czech Republic to honor its commitment to increase funding for higher education. HEIs have to face an extremely difficult situation, invest large means in hygiene measures, technical equipment, dormitories and canteens have been significantly affected, and there has also been a large loss of income in lifelong learning programs, contract research and other complementary activities. CRC requests that this difficult situation be taken into account when designing the budget of HEIs for 2021–2023.
3. CRC strongly recommends that interventions in research and education be significantly supported in the priorities of the Czech Republic when using European resources. Investments in human capital are perceived in all developed countries as a fundamental factor of competitiveness, and therefore, in the opinion of the CRC, they must be an unambiguous priority for the Czech Republic.

Prague, 2 October 2020