The CEU has been misleading the media and public over its operations during the past few days, according to the Hungarian government.
According to the Ministry of Human Capacities, instead of complying with legislative requirements, CEU has deceived the media in an attempt to retain its privileges in Hungary. For example, the 'Soros university' made false allegations in regards to its permit from the Education Office, which it later corrected.
The government has stated that the changes to legislation are not directed at the Central European University, and CEU will be able to continue its operations. However, given the irregular status of CEU and its Hungarian affiliate, Közép-europai Egyetem, an international agreement between the two countries will have to support the operation.
The ministry states that the 'Soros university' has enjoyed privileges unavailable to any other institution of higher education in Hungary. Even though its students are only required to attend a single degree course, the university has been able to award them two degrees – Hungarian and American.
This may be good business for George Soros, but in the competition between universities it represents an unfair advantage. The legislative amendment brings this discriminative business practice to an end, closes a loophole and creates a level playing field for universities.
It is clear from the text of the legislative amendment now adopted that – contrary to the overblown scaremongering campaign now in progress – the new regulations will not lead to the automatic closure of a single foreign university registered and operating in Hungary. Instead it supports reasonable conditions for the issue of degrees that are valid across the entire European Union.