Funding cuts prompted two of the country’s largest universities to appeal for state support, noting that the ability of the institutions to continue operating was at stake.

The University of Athens issued an “urgent and anxious” appeal for funding ahead of the submission of its budget for 2015. The university’s senate said it would submit the 11.5-million-euro blueprint to authorities despite the fact that funding has been docked by 74 percent since 2009, leaving a gap of 9.5 million euros.

Thessaloniki’s Aristotle University made a similar appeal. Rector Pericles Mitkas said inadequate funding and an increase in the number of students due to transfers have led to operational difficulties.

Source: Kathimerini