On 5 May, at the Sorbonne, Ursula von der Leyen announced an unprecedented plan: 500 million euros over three years (2025-2027) to make Europe a real « magnet for researchers ». Called ‘Choose Europe for Science’, this programme complements Horizon Europe and provides stable funding.
In the United States, science is losing ground
On the other side of the Atlantic, the situation is tense. Fewer resources for universities, the abolition of diversity programmes, attacks on academic freedom… Many researchers, particularly foreign ones, no longer feel safe or supported. « It’s a monumental mistake for a country so dependent on research », said Emmanuel Macron in response.
In Europe, they are targeting. Health, artificial intelligence, climate, space… the strategic sectors have been clearly identified. France, for its part, is proposing ‘Choose France for Science’ to simplify the arrival of researchers. Other schemes, such as ‘Safe Place for Science’, aim to welcome those who feel threatened.
« Science has no passport », Ursula von der Leyen
More than a question of money
Of course, money plays a role, but above all Europe wants to defend a strong idea: science must remain free, open and shared. « Science has no passport », von der Leyen hammered home, calling on researchers to join a continent that still believes in knowledge as a common good.
A historic opportunity for Europe?
What if this crisis in the United States were to become an opportunity for Europe? At any rate, that’s the challenge facing Brussels: to become a haven for science and a driving force for global innovation. A change of course that could well reshape the global scientific balance.
