The Central European University (CEU), which moved its main operations to Vienna in 2019, is considering launching more academic programmes in Budapest. Its interim rector says both the university and Hungary’s new government are open to the idea, but other priorities are currently taking up their time.
The Central European University (CEU) wants to strengthen its presence in Budapest and would be happy to offer more courses in the Hungarian capital, provided this does not compromise the quality of its education. However, a complete relocation from Vienna is not currently being considered, the university’s interim rector and president, Carsten Q. Schneider, told The Guardian.
Although no official negotiations are currently under way between the university and Hungary’s new government, Schneider believes both sides are open to discussions.
“We are extending our hand, they are extending their hand, but they have a lot of other things to deal with at the moment,” he said.
The possibility of the CEU returning to Budapest has been raised before. In June, István Rév, a history professor at the university, told Klubrádió that the institution could become a two-campus university, offering degree programmes in both Vienna and Budapest.
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Why the CEU is not planning a full return
Schneider stressed that moving the university’s main operations back to Hungary is not on the agenda. The CEU is doing well in Vienna, and any expansion in Budapest would have to take into account the practical difficulties students might face travelling between the two cities.
The university currently has around 1,400 students from 103 countries. While all its teaching activities take place in Vienna, the CEU has maintained a significant presence in Budapest.
A total of 312 employees work in the Hungarian capital, most of them in administrative positions. Vienna, meanwhile, is home to 476 employees.
According to Schneider, strengthening the Budapest presence could also become a symbol of academic freedom and resilience. However, this would require independent funding, separate from the Hungarian government, as well as an appropriate political environment.
Ultimately, any decision about returning or expanding in Hungary would rest with the CEU’s 13-member Board of Trustees, which includes its founder, George Soros, and his son, Alexander Soros.
How the CEU was forced to leave Hungary
Founded by George Soros in 1991, the CEU moved its main operations from Budapest to Vienna in 2019 following a series of government measures under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The controversial 2017 amendment to Hungary’s higher education law, widely known as the ‘Lex CEU’, introduced requirements for foreign universities operating in Hungary. Among other conditions, institutions had to provide higher education in their country of origin as well.
For the CEU, this meant having to meet requirements in the United States. Although the university attempted to comply, the Hungarian government refused to recognise its efforts and did not sign the necessary agreement with New York State.
The CEU eventually moved its teaching activities to Vienna while retaining its Budapest buildings.
In 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that the legislation violated EU law. However, the ruling came too late to reverse the university’s relocation.
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Trump’s policies attract more American students
The CEU is also attracting growing interest from the United States. According to The Guardian, American students now make up the largest group among its master’s students for the first time, accounting for 10% of the total.
Schneider partly attributed this development to US President Donald Trump’s policies towards universities. He believes that an increasing number of American students are looking abroad for institutions where academic freedom is protected.
CEU rector sees an opportunity for a new democratic model in Hungary
Schneider, a German political scientist specialising in democracy and regime transitions, also discussed Hungary’s political changes with The Guardian.
In his assessment, Péter Magyar successfully turned political tools previously used by Viktor Orbán’s government against its former leaders. However, the real challenge still lies ahead: whether Magyar can build a democratic system that guarantees lasting political competition and a functioning multi-party system after his election victory.
Schneider suggested that Hungary could even become the world’s first ‘post-illiberal democracy’.
At the same time, he warned against excessive optimism. Dismantling a non-democratic political system requires different skills from building a stable democratic one. Only time will tell how Magyar responds when his popularity eventually declines and he faces serious political challengers.
This Soros’ brainwashing facility needs to be permanently banned from Hungary, including recognition of the “degrees” it confers.