Spain to approve over $50M for university housing, expand student rights

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday announced a €45 million ($50.4 million) university housing package and new measures to strengthen student rights.

Speaking at an event at the Moncloa Palace, Sanchez said the Council of Ministers would approve the funding Tuesday, along with a new university student statute aimed at strengthening student protections.

"Tomorrow, the Council of Ministers will approve a €45 million package to promote university residences," Sanchez said.

He said the funding would support seven projects expected to create nearly 2,000 new accommodation places at public universities across Spain in an initial phase.

Sanchez warned that Spain's housing crisis was undermining equal access to higher education.

"When a student cannot afford to live where they would like to study, what happens is that, ultimately, the university ceases to be that engine of prosperity and equal opportunities that we all want it to be," he said.

The new university student statute, also scheduled for approval Tuesday, will introduce additional rights, strengthen student representation and mobility, and expand psychological support, Sanchez said.

It will also promote work-life balance, protect personal data, recognize the right to digital disconnection and improve academic tutoring and internship systems, he said.

Sanchez said universities must be protected and adequately funded to fulfill their role in promoting equal opportunities.

Beyza Binnur Dönmez