Dear members of the public,
We, the student body of the Europa-Universität Flensburg, are addressing the Ministry of Education of Schleswig-Holstein with the following letter to draw attention to the precarious financial situation of the Europa-Universität Flensburg.
We would be very grateful for your support — please sign and share this letter!
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Open Letter to the Ministry of General and Vocational Education, Science, Research and Culture of Schleswig-Holstein
Dear Minister Dr. Stenke,
The Europa-Universität Flensburg has been chronically underfunded for years. The current budget situation exacerbates this problem: positions are being cut, teaching opportunities reduced, and the workload for remaining staff is steadily increasing. From the perspective of the student body, these circumstances are no longer acceptable. Therefore, we are addressing you directly today.
Lack of financial resources severely affects the quality of teaching. The range of courses is shrinking, classes are overcrowded, and lecturers face an almost unbearable additional workload. Exams and theses must still be written — but are now supervised by fewer and fewer instructors. This comes at the expense of quality and individual guidance.
The consequences of these cuts are also clearly visible in the administrative departments. Delays in administrative processes, such as enrollment, have become a daily occurrence. Transferring financial responsibility onto one of the lowest-income social groups — students — through an administrative fee is, in our view, socially and generationally unjust and ignorant.
Cuts in the education sector inevitably lead to the long-term decline of education and science. Education is one of the central assets of our country and forms the foundation of innovation, social cohesion, and economic strength. Well-educated professionals secure the prosperity of tomorrow — poor educational conditions endanger it.
Furthermore, the quality of education has a direct impact on our democracy. A well-educated society is less susceptible to populist tendencies and anti-democratic developments. We must recognize from international (for example, current developments in the USA) and historical examples what can result from the loss of educational quality.
Particularly concerning is the potential loss of scientific expertise in various academic fields. Science must remain an objective authority for assessing political measures — something that will no longer be possible if positions cannot be filled or are cut altogether.
With the decline of higher education, Schleswig-Holstein loses its attractiveness as a place of education and research, both nationally and internationally. We can assume that this will also affect the number of international students — especially if other federal states or countries are able to offer better study conditions.
In the case of the Europa-Universität Flensburg, underfunding has a direct impact on the entire education system of the state. With around 77 percent of our students enrolled in teacher training programs, our university plays a decisive role in educating the future teachers of Schleswig-Holstein. Any deterioration in study conditions therefore directly affects the education of future generations. It also amplifies the already mentioned consequences for society, democracy, and the economy.
The EUF stands out for its strong focus on educational sciences, teacher education, and research on transformation and sustainability. Here, the teachers of tomorrow are trained — educators who not only impart knowledge but also promote democratic values, inclusion, and openness to the world. This is made possible through our particular emphasis on didactics and pedagogy (in contrast to Kiel). In addition, only our university offers teacher training programs specializing in special education and primary education — both of which are essential foundations for educational equity and social participation. Students here learn to support children individually, to view diversity as a strength, and to actively shape inclusive education. In this way, the EUF makes a significant contribution to creating an educational landscape that leaves no one behind.
Through our degree programs in Transformational Studies, European Cultures and Society, and Energy and Environmental Management, our university also actively contributes to researching key future issues such as climate change and social justice. Moreover, our small, close-knit campus allows for close collaboration between lecturers and students. This environment fosters active participation and enables personal guidance. The EUF is, in every respect, a modern and forward-looking university — European, social, and sustainable.
We therefore call for reliable and adequate funding for the Europa-Universität Flensburg.
This funding must not merely ensure the institution’s survival, but must enable high-quality teaching, research, and administration. Only then can the university fulfill its vital role within the state — as a place of education, research, and social responsibility.
Sincerely,
The Student Body of the Europa-Universität Flensburg