CREAS Policy
CREAS develops ideas and policy recommendations about student and youth matters for law- and policymakers. The policies are established through the work of groups with participation of a variety of member organisations and are established through motions at one of the CREAS Council Meetings.
Our Policy Branches
CREAS recognizes the potential of programs like Erasmus and Horizon. While we appreciate the steps taken in EU educational policy, we believe there’s room for further enhancement. We advocate for the full implementation of the Lisbon Convention and the Paris Communice guaranteeing mutual recognition of degrees across Europe, harmonisation of academic calendars, and the simplification of administrative processes. Moreover, we emphasise the importance of bridging the gap between vocational and academic education.
The autonomy in teaching and research is paramount for the health of our democracy and the progress of society. As students we identify increasing pressures of different political actors on the left and the right of the political spectrum to suppress this autonomy at our university campuses. We oppose any efforts to undermine this foundational principle of freedom, be it through “cancel culture” or restrictive regulations of speech.
In addition, we are wary of external influences, particularly from autocratic nations, and urge vigilance in international scientific cooperation and competition. We closely monitor the increasing influence of the People’s Republic of China in research and demand care from policy makers and universities in their cooperation with organisations such as the Confucius Institutes. We also stand on the side of student protesters in territories such as Belarus and Hong Kong and their struggle for freedom.
We embrace the digital era and believe that the EU can and should be a central player in digitalisation of government and education. In addition, CREAS stresses the importance of innovation across all sectors. Collaborating with the private sector can unlock unprecedented advancements, and we champion an approach guided by the principles of a market economy and societal responsibility. Regulatory harmonisation and relaxation across the EU is needed as a catalyst for growth, competitiveness, and innovation.
We celebrate the unparalleled and continuing success of the European project while envisioning its future potential. While we appreciate the peace and prosperity ushered in by European Integration, we emphasise the importance of preserving the unique identities of member nations with their rich diversity. A reimagined federalism can ensure a harmonious coexistence of nation-states within the EU framework and can provide the future for a Europe made of nation-states. By respecting national competencies, we can foster trust and envision an expansive and inclusive European Union.
CREAS champions the right of every young European to choose their place of study and work freely across the continent. Mobility of young Europeans means forming the future of Europe and making the idea of European integration more noticeable and approachable. We celebrate the idea of European integration, but we recognize the existing barriers hindering youth mobility. We demand a Europe where bureaucratic and practical impediments are minimised, European job markets are further integrated, and opportunities beyond existing programs like Erasmus are offered.