THE CZECH RECTORS CONFERENCE AND THE COUNCIL OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED LAW ON THE MANDATORY REGISTRATION OF ENTITIES COOPERATING WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS

On 18 March 2026, the Czech Rectors Conference and the Council of Higher Education Institutions addressed the Government and the Chamber of Deputies regarding the ongoing preparation of a bill on the mandatory registration of entities cooperating with foreign partners. Representatives of the academic community expressed deep concern about the potential impact of this legislation on international cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation.

In their statement, they question the very purpose of the proposed law, particularly its broad scope, which does not take into account the Czech Republic’s membership in the European Union or its alliances with countries with which it shares common values and political partnerships. They also warn that the legislation could undermine the openness of Czech higher education, academic freedoms, and international collaboration in education, research, and innovation. At the same time, they point to the risk of increased administrative burden and a possible weakening of Czech institutions' involvement in international projects.

The full text of the letter (in Czech) is available here.