Central European University signals willingness to expand in Budapest

The Guardian reported that Central European University is open to expanding its programmes in Budapest, a move the interim president and rector Carsten Q Schneider said reflects confidence in Hungary’s democratic future. Schneider told the outlet the university "it was interested in increasing its programmes in Budapest, as long as this did not damage the student experience." The university was previously forced to relocate after Viktor Orbán’s government targeted it, prompting a partial exodus. By considering a partial return, CEU signals a shift in its assessment of the political climate, while emphasizing that any expansion will not compromise the quality of education for its students.

Why it matters

The potential return of CEU to Budapest suggests a thaw in relations between the university and Hungary’s government, hinting at broader changes in the country’s democratic environment.

Key details

Location

Hungary · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

14 Nov 2026, 10:30 IST

Key names

Budapest, Viktor Orbán, Central European University, Orbán

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianUniversity hounded out of Hungary by Orbán reaches out to new government 14 Nov, 10:30

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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