Greece lifts ban on private universities
Article 16(5) of the Greek constitution historically prohibited the establishment of private universities, ensuring a state-guaranteed monopoly of public universities—a distinctive feature of Greece not found in any other Western nation, where private higher education institutions are common.
However, a recent vote marks a significant shift from this policy.
Greece, known as a premier tourist destination, has limited agricultural potential due to its terrain, with 80% of its land covered by high mountain ranges. As a result, exploring alternative revenue sources is crucial. The liberalization of the university sector could open new economic opportunities, potentially transforming Greece from a source market to an attractive destination for international students.
This policy shift is a complete reversal of Greece's long-standing stance on higher education and has already sparked protests across the country. Yet, considering global trends, this move towards liberalizing the higher education market appears inevitable. In my view, Greece is making the right choice with this step forward.