Half a billion euros to attract researchers to the EU

Paris (dpa) – EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen aims to attract more scientists from around the world to the EU with an additional half a billion euros. “We need to set the right incentives,” she said in a speech at the Sorbonne University in Paris. With a 500-million-euro package for the years 2025 to 2027, Europe should become a magnet for researchers, von der Leyen emphasized. Her announcement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on universities in the USA.

Von der Leyen stated that the role of science and investments in free research are being called into question in today’s world. “What a gigantic misjudgment.” She wants to enshrine the freedom of scientific research in law. She did not initially provide details. 

Long-term scholarships for top researchers

“Those who choose Europe will receive higher compensation and longer contracts,” von der Leyen promised. Top researchers are to receive financial aid with a duration of seven years. In addition, the Commission President wants to expedite the procedures for entry and residence in Europe and make it easier to market scientific results.

In the USA, President Trump has already decided on numerous job cuts and budget reductions for US research within the first months of his second term.

Macron criticizes restrictions on science in the USA

During the presentation of the EU initiative, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump’s course. “There is no democracy that lasts long if there is no free, open science.”

President Macron emphasized that a societal discussion is not possible if the relationship to facts and truth is called into question. For example, because politicians in power could at a certain point say: “This is true, this is false,” Macron said.

Macron called on researchers in the USA to come to Europe: “If you love freedom, come and help us stay free, to research here. Help us to be better, to invest in our future.” (May 5)