Portuguese academic unions challenge university transition process

The National Union of Higher Education (SNESup) has requested a hearing with the Education and Science Commission of the Assembly of the Republic regarding the transition of polytechnic institutions into universities. The discussions focus on the creation of the Technical University of Porto and the University of Leiria and Oeste, following the publication of Decrees 145/2026 and 135/2026.

SNESup expressed dissatisfaction with the transition process, describing it as arbitrary and conducted without the consultation of faculty and researchers. The union argues that the lack of negotiation with the academic community violates constitutional principles and the General Labor Law for Public Functions.

In a related development regarding teacher career structures, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation (MECI) has called FENPROF for negotiations to revise Decree-Law 80-A/2023, which concerns scientific training for teachers. This meeting follows a significant delay in the ongoing revision process of the Teacher Career Statute (ECD).