(MENAFN) The Collège de France has called off a two-day symposium on Palestine that was set for November 13–14, citing mounting controversy and reaffirming its commitment to political neutrality.

In a written statement released Sunday, the prestigious higher education institution confirmed that the conference, “Palestine and Europe: The Weight of the Past and Contemporary Dynamics,” was cancelled “in response to the controversy” surrounding the event.

“College de France wishes to reiterate its strict neutrality with regard to issues of a political or ideological nature. As a place of knowledge and its dissemination, it does not advocate, encourage or support any form of militancy,” the statement said.

The institution noted that organizers had initially proposed holding the symposium behind closed doors, but that effort failed to resolve concerns.

“Consequently, and in view of the foregoing, the Chairman of the College de France is obliged to cancel the event scheduled for November 13 and 14, in his capacity as head of the establishment responsible for the safety of people and property, and for the serenity of events held on the Collège de France premises,” the statement added.

The cancellation underscores growing tensions within European academic circles over events linked to the Middle East, as universities and research centers grapple with balancing free debate and institutional neutrality.

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