In an age where scientific discovery is central to solving humanity’s biggest challenges, Europe is taking a bold move, from climate change to AI.
The European Union has begun its selection of Europe. This is a drastic plan to attract international researchers and solidify the continent’s position as a global epicenter of innovation.
The initiative, highlighted in a speech by President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission at the historic Sorbonne University in Paris, promises to boost European research by providing world-class funding, open science collaboration and streamlined access to global talent.
At its heart is the declaration that choosing Europe is more than policy, and that science, freedom and progress are at the heart of the European project.
Research that appears to be threatening to cut federal funding to US universities can prove that European initiatives can leverage this talent and help position Europe at the pinnacle of scientific discovery.
Set against the backdrop of growing global challenges and increasing scientific talent, von der Reyen made a compelling claim to Europe as a beacon of scientific freedom, opportunity and collaboration.
Von Der Leyen explained: “In Europe, children can go to good schools independent of their parents’ income. The controversial discussions at our universities are welcome. Freedom of science and research is not only about our core values, but how excellence and innovation thrive.
“This is why Europe is open to the best and brightest. This is why they make suggestions to help them ‘choose Europe’. Because we want scientists and researchers all over the world to make Europe their home and once again become a home of innovation. ”
Honor the past to stimulate the future
To frame his vision of choosing Europe, von der Reyen evoked as Maria Scoudowska Curie the powerful story of Maria Scoudowska Curie, whose pursuit of science rejected social and political barriers.
Curie’s journey from an underground school in the occupied Polish territories to Sorbonne’s groundbreaking research exemplifies her being the first to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields, exemplifying that Europe represents: freedom of thinking, access to opportunity, and the power of open science.
The story served not only as a homage to European heritage, but also as a call to action.
Why Europe? Nature House for Global Research
The qualifications in European studies are impressive and vast. There are over 2 million researchers (approximately 25% of the global total), and leads in key sectors such as green technology, health, engineering and digital science.
Europe is also hosting Horizon Europe, the world’s largest international research program, with a funding pool of over 93 billion euros.
Von Der Leyen highlighted how European investments are offering transformative innovations, from genome sequencing to mRNA vaccines, microchip developments to first-time imaging of black holes.
With such a track record, she argued that there are more powerful cases of Europe being selected as a research destination than ever before.
Pillars of European Choice
At the heart of the initiative is three pillars aimed at making Europe more attractive, accessible and effective for researchers around the world.
1. Scientific freedom and openness
Europe has doubled its commitment to open up and free scientific exploration. The European Commission will introduce a new European Studies Area Act that legally disgraces Europe’s freedom of scientific research.
In parallel, efforts will be made to improve cross-border knowledge and data movements. It deals with it with the same importance as the free flow of goods and capital in a single market.
2. Robust funding and long-term support
The new 500 million euro package for 2025-2027 supports international researchers who choose to work in Europe.
The European Research Council (ERC) will provide expanded “super grants” and increase the top-up of relocations to encourage global talent.
Early career researchers will benefit from contract expansion and better allowances through the pilot of Maria Scowdowska Curie, particularly in frontier regions such as AI and quantum science.
In the long term, the EU will target 3% of GDP for research and development by 2030, solidifying science as a fundamental pillar of the European economy.
3. Innovating into the market – faster
The EU recognizes the need to accelerate its lab-to-market journey and proposes the first European innovation method.
Combined with startup and scale-up strategies, the law removes regulatory bottlenecks and makes it easier to access venture capital for science-driven businesses. The aim is to transform groundbreaking European research into real-world innovations on a global scale.
Make Europe a magnet for global talent
To ensure that the best minds can easily live and work in Europe, this initiative includes measures to speed up the visa process and enhance support for research careers.
The EU will strengthen its platform that connects researchers with institutions and jobs, simplify relocations, and provide career guidance to those moving to Europe.
The message is clear. Europe is open for scientific excellence, ready to spread its weapons and welcome the world’s top talent.
Von der Reyen concluded his speech with a call to future scientists, highlighting that Europe is choosing to invest in a smarter, more sustainable future.
“We have chosen to become a continent where innovation serves humanity and we welcome global talent,” she said. “For all young girls and boys who dream of life in science, like Marie Curie once did — choose science. Choose Europe.”
With The Choose Europe initiative, the EU sets the stage for a new golden age of scientific achievements.
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