On February 7, 2023, the academic authorities of eleven Belgian universities met for the second edition of the CRef-VLIR Forum, a joint initiative of the Council of French-speaking Rectors (CRef) and the Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad (VLIR). In addition to the rectors, the event brought together the vice-rectors in charge of research, teaching, student affairs and international relations, in the presence of Mrs. Nicole De Moor, Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, who was invited to give an opening speech.
This Forum allowed partners from both sides of the language border to strengthen collaborations and to exchange views on issues central to all universities. Among these, we can note the financing of higher education or international mobility. CRef and VLIR also shared their respective priorities for the next federal and regional legislatures.
At the end of the Forum, the eleven Belgian universities strongly emphasise the importance of the international mobility of researchers and students. They are pleased with the attention they received during the preparation of the transposition of the law on foreigners to researchers. "We were able to contribute many useful elements from our daily experience of hosting foreign researchers, but it must be said that, even after the amendment of the law, a number of obstacles remain. The administrative processing time at the federal and regional levels is still too long. The legal security of our foreign researchers could be improved. Our universities have long proven that they can take on more responsibility as host institutions", said Rik Van de Walle, president of the VLIR.
"Welcoming international students and attracting highly qualified researchers from outside the EU is crucial, given the shortage in our labour market. All levels of government need to work together to facilitate the conditions for the foreign talent we want to continue to attract. These efforts also involve better coordination and communication between the various government departments involved. The processing of visa applications, for example, can certainly be further improved", said Annemie Schaus, President of CRef.
