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"We welcome the opportunity to play a full part in shaping Framework Agreement VI!"

Together with the State of Thuringia, the Thuringian universities will sign the extension of their previous Framework Agreement V next Wednesday. The Presidium has already reported on this in the Senate, the staff meeting and other committees. This extension is also intended to serve the purpose of discussing and preparing the subsequent Framework Agreement VI in consultation between the universities and the state in a better and more comprehensive manner than in previous legislatures and funding rounds. In response to a press enquiry this week, the Thuringian Conference of State Presidents referred to the wording of Framework Agreement V, which has been extended by one year: "In addition, the universities and the State Science Conference will actively contribute considerations to the discussion process with the ministry responsible for science on the long-term structural design of the Thuringian higher education landscape within 2026 in order to set the course for an efficient and future-oriented higher education system in the Free State beyond 2030 in view of the considerable demographic and budgetary challenges."

The President of the University of Erfurt, Professor Walter Bauer-Wabnegg, has now explained to the university's members: "The aim of this agreement between the universities and the state is to secure a future-proof Thuringian higher education landscape beyond the period of validity of Framework Agreement VI, which will not be surprised by cuts due to global underspending as in previous years. This is because unstable funding always affects fixed-term employment contracts in particular, i.e. our qualification positions, which is damaging and should not be the case. It goes without saying that such considerations for the future also raise questions of cooperation and coordination in terms of content as well as a sensible sharpening of profile or include joint services in administration and technology. Certain tasks are already being carried out in a joint University IT Centre or in a joint library network. Where we can improve processes or sharpen services, we should do so. In view of demographic developments and future state budgets, it would be criminally negligent to stagger haphazardly into the unknown without concepts for further development.
The universities therefore expressly welcome the opportunity and invitation to play a full part in shaping Framework Agreement VI and beyond. Following the adoption of the 2026/2027 double budget and the signing of the extension of Framework Agreement V on 10 December, this conceptual phase is planned for the first half of 2026. The fact that the university locations are not up for discussion is already clearly stipulated in the government agreement.
As the University of Erfurt, we want to utilise the special opportunity of a future concept coordinated between the universities and with the State of Thuringia to continue to position our university in the best possible way among all universities and, above all, to establish long-term, reliable planning."

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