US cancels programmes at Portuguese universities - The Portugal News

US Cancels Funding for American Corners in Portugal

The United States has canceled funding for its "American Corners" program at several Portuguese universities. This decision, communicated to universities in early March 2025, followed by a controversial questionnaire, sparked reactions from Portuguese institutions.

University Responses

• IST (Instituto Superior Técnico): Refused to answer the questionnaire, citing its inappropriateness for a public higher education institution in a democratic EU member state. The program had provided approximately €20,000 in annual funding for over ten years.
• University of Lisbon (Faculty of Arts): Also refused to answer the questionnaire, describing the questions as shameful and inappropriate. The cancellation of the "American Corners" program was unconfirmed.
• Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Faculty of Science and Technology): Described the American Corner as an annual project ending in September, and indicated that whether or not to continue the project is under evaluation.
• Other Universities: Lusa News Agency was unable to obtain statements from the universities of Porto, Aveiro, and the Azores.

US Embassy Response

The US Embassy in Lisbon stated that they maintain excellent relations with all six American Corners and will continue collaboration on various programs. They emphasized the importance of the American spaces, although they didn't directly address the funding cuts.

Background

American Corners, funded by the US government, serve as information and culture centers. Over 600 such spaces exist in more than 140 countries, often located in universities, shopping centers, libraries, and embassy facilities. The questionnaire from the US government included inquiries about connections with various entities, raising concerns among the Portuguese universities.