Resolution

Czech Rectors Conference (CRC) Plenum adopted at its 172nd Meeting the following resolution:

1. CRC is aware of the complex situation in the field of public finances in the Czech Republic, nevertheless it continues to draw attention to the long-term underfunding of higher education, despite the declared promise of a moderate increase in the budget in 2024. It repeatedly appeals for the establishment of a binding medium-term growth outlook and the strengthening of the institutional funding of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
2. CRC cooperates on the finalization of the amendment to the Act on the Residence of Foreign Nationals in the Territory of the Czech Republic with partners from relevant departments so that the set regime is responsive to the needs of HEIs, including its digitization. In the framework of internationalization, it is also necessary that a suitable visa regime applies also to HEIs' employees and participants in lifelong learning courses organized by HEIs. Every restrictive measure in the field of granting visas to foreign students and employees reduces the international competitiveness of our HEIs.
3. CRC demands that its representatives are involved in the preparation of the draft
   of the Competence Framework for Graduate Teachers.
4. CRC welcomes the initiative of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MEYS) and the National Accreditation Bureau for Higher Education (NAB) heading for a better interconnection between HEIs and the application sphere and appreciates the adopted methodology of the NAB for accreditation and evaluation of professional study programs.
5. CRC appreciates the current good cooperation and open discussion between the representatives of the MEYS, NAB, the Minister of Science, Research and Innovation and the representatives of HEIs in the field of financing, legislation and strategic documents.

Olomouc, 6 October 2023