News

Prof. Nino Doborjginidze Rector

Ilia State University Tbilisi, Georgia

Dear Rector Doborjginidze,

On behalf of the Universitat de Girona, I would like to express our deep concern regarding the recent developments affecting Ilia State University within the framework of the announced higher education reform in Georgia.

The substantial reduction in student admission quotas, the narrowing of academic fields, and the changes impacting university autonomy raise serious questions about the protection of academic freedom, institutional integrity, and the long-term sustainability of a diverse and internationally engaged higher education system. As a committed member of the European Higher Education Area, the Universitat de Girona firmly believes that university autonomy and academic freedom are fundamental pillars of democratic societies and essential conditions for excellence in teaching, research, and knowledge transfer.

Ilia State University has been, for many years, a valued partner of our institution and a respected member of the international academic community. Our collaboration has been built upon shared values of openness, critical inquiry, interdisciplinarity, and international cooperation. We have witnessed first-hand the intellectual vitality and institutional commitment that characterize your university.

We note with respect the statements issued by international academic bodies calling for the safeguarding of university autonomy and academic freedom. In this context, the Universitat de Girona stands in solidarity with Ilia State University, its leadership, faculty, researchers, students, and staff, during this challenging period.

Please be assured of our continued academic cooperation and institutional support. We remain ready to contribute, through dialogue and collaboration within European and international forums, to the defence of the core values that underpin higher education as a public good.

With sincere solidarity and highest consideration,

Prof. Josep Calbó Angrill Rector

2026