There are numerous countries around the world which are persistently attempting to restrict the freedom of science. More and more academics are being confronted with censorship and bans from their workplaces or have to leave their home countries altogether. This also impacts international cooperation. Exchange students and visiting lecturers from Germany have also been confronted with restrictions which occasionally force them to make difficult decisions or put them in dangerous situations. These developments can impede cross-border collaboration, leaving coordinators of exchange programmes struggling to cope with new problems. The DAAD wishes to help German higher education institutions and research organisations to better prepare for these challenges and provide assistance when making decisions and evaluating the situation in the respective partner country. Within the scope of its possibilities, e.g. in transnational education projects, the DAAD shall continue to advocate for the freedom of expression and academic autonomy.