Södertörn University has a specific focus on research into the Baltic Sea region and Eastern Europe. This is visible in the many research projects that the Foundation for Baltic and East European Studies funds every year, in the many scholarly publications from our researchers and, not least, in the many doctoral theses produced at the Baltic and East European Graduate School (BEEGS).

Due to our research focus, it is natural that Södertörn University has colleagues and departmental contacts with higher education institutions in Ukraine, as with researchers in Poland, Germany, the Baltic States and south-eastern Europe. And with researchers in Russia.

In these uncertain times in Europe and the wider world, it is important to differentiate between a political regime and the researchers at the various universities. Södertörn University wants to continue to work with researchers and higher education institutions in Ukraine, but also with Russian researchers.

The university has student exchange agreements with two Russian state-run universities. These will now be terminated as Södertörn University has currently ceased cooperation with the Russian state.

At the same time, Södertörn University is deeply concerned about the consequences of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in terms of human suffering, academic freedom, and Ukraine’s sovereignty. We wish to support our colleagues in Ukraine in every way we can. The political regime led by Vladimir Putin must immediately cease its military aggression and respect international law.

Gustav Amberg, Vice-Chancellor of Södertörn University
Joakim Ekman, Director of the Centre for Baltic and East European Studies (CBEES)