Rector Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović Participates in Magna Charta Universitatum Anniversary Event in Vilnius – Institutional Autonomy and Academic Freedoms in Focus
University of Sarajevo Rector, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović participated in the ceremonial commemoration of the anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum. The event was held from 14 to 16 October 2026 in Vilnius, organized by the Magna Charta Observatory and Mykolas Romeris University. This year's commemoration was dedicated to the theme "Beyond Resilience: Universities as Active Value-Driven Agents in a Changing World" and gathered rectors, academics, and representatives of higher education institutions from around the world.
Prof. Dr. Zaimović was a panelist on the panel "Beyond Cooperation: European Networks and University Alliances and the Future of Academic Values," where discussions focused on how European university alliances and networks can strengthen the values of the Magna Charta.
In his presentation, Rector Zaimović emphasized that the Magna Charta Universitatum remains, nearly four decades after its adoption, the fundamental framework for preserving institutional autonomy and academic freedoms. This is particularly important at a time when universities worldwide are exposed to strong political, financial, and societal pressures. He stressed that values are not protected merely by declarations, but through governance, regulations, and resource allocation. European university alliances, as a new level of cross-border cooperation and governance, must therefore be spaces where the principles of the Magna Charta are applied daily.
The Rector particularly emphasized that autonomy is not a privilege without obligations. It necessarily implies responsibility and a broader social responsibility of universities. "Understanding the relationship between autonomy and responsibility is the core of academic integrity. This is also the fundamental expectation of both the current and future social contract between universities and society," emphasized Prof. Dr. Zaimović.
Rector Zaimović further highlighted the importance of the consistent implementation of the Rome Ministerial Communiqué of the European Higher Education Area and the fundamental values contained therein. This primarily refers to academic freedoms, institutional autonomy, and academic integrity. As he emphasized, this implementation is of particular importance for countries on the path to EU integration, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. For these countries, aligning with European standards in higher education is not merely a technical issue, but part of broader democratic and societal development. As an example, he cited the EUPeace alliance (European University for Peace, Justice and Inclusive Societies), of which the University of Sarajevo is a full member. He stressed that academic integration can precede and facilitate political integration.
In the broader context of the topics discussed at the event, the focus was on preserving institutional autonomy and academic freedoms in a time of heightened political, financial, and technological pressures, as well as the role of universities in strengthening democracy, public trust, and social responsibility. Special emphasis was placed on the need for universities not to remain limited to declarative support for fundamental academic values, but to consistently apply them in their governance, educational and research work, and active contribution to societal development.
Discussions during the event further emphasized that institutional autonomy is not an end in itself, but a prerequisite for universities to freely develop critical thinking, contribute to democratic processes, and respond to societal needs without compromising their independence. In this regard, one of the key messages of the event was that university resilience is reflected not only in the ability to face pressures and crises, but also in the willingness to translate academic values into concrete and responsible action.
The University of Sarajevo was among the first signatories of the Magna Charta Universitatum, adopted in 1988 in Bologna, thereby confirming its long-standing commitment to the fundamental values of the European academic community. Through its participation in this year's commemoration, the University of Sarajevo continues to affirm its dedication to preserving institutional autonomy and academic freedoms, as well as strengthening international academic cooperation and the responsible social role of universities.
