Academic freedom, the right to question, discover, teach, learn and debate without fear or censorship, intimidation or undue interference, is under growing pressure. Disinformation and suppression of intellectual dissent erode trust in science, and scholars worldwide face mounting threats. When academic freedom is limited, societies lose access to independent knowledge, critical thinking weakens, innovation suffers, and democratic debate becomes poorer and less informed. The EU's response is clear: we will always defend academic freedom as a cornerstone of democratic society, as recognised in the European Democracy Shield . This is why education systems must remain places where knowledge is built on evidence, debate is encouraged, and young people are prepared to think independently.
Freedom of scientific research is already recognised as one of the core values and principles of the 2021 Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe , placing it at the heart of the European Research Area (ERA). The Commission is preparing a recommendation on supporting scientific evidence and its use in public policymaking. This commitment builds on the 2020 Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research and is firmly anchored in Article 13 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights , which states that scientific research shall be free of constraint and that academic freedom shall be respected.
The ERA Act will embed this principle into action by providing additional safeguards for the freedom of scientific research. It will ensure that research remains independent and that no political agenda can dictate truth. It will guarantee open collaboration, protect intellectual independence, and reinforce Europe as a global leader in free, ethical, and excellence-driven science.
Through Horizon Europe , the world's largest international research programme, we provide a supportive environment where ideas can thrive without restriction. We are offering researchers not just funding, but a community where ideas are welcomed, not suppressed. For those escaping conflict, persecution, or systemic censorship, Europe provides both opportunity and protection. We offer a safe haven to researchers under threat.
Academic freedom and freedom of scientific research are also key strengths of the EU, and a vital part of Europe's offer to the world's best researchers. By protecting open, independent and excellence-driven science, Europe strengthens its global attractiveness as a place where researchers can pursue bold ideas without political interference. This is at the heart of the Choose Europe initiative. It presents the EU as a global destination for research talent, supported by concrete measures such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), Choose Europe for Science and the planned European Research Council (ERC) Plus Grants . Choose Europe is open to outstanding researchers from Europe and around the world. As President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Europe will always choose science. And Europe will always make the case for the world's scientists to Choose Europe."
One practical way to uphold freedom of scientific research is to invest in funding instruments that trust researchers to set the direction of discovery. This is why, in the next Horizon Europe programme, we are proposing to double the support for the ERC and to substantially increase the MSCA budget. Through their bottom-up, excellence-based approach, the ERC and MSCA give researchers the freedom to follow their scientific curiosity, develop independent careers, collaborate across borders and break new ground.
Yet significant challenges remain. Attacks on university autonomy, the politicisation of research, and the targeting of academics for their views pose serious threats to academic freedom. The EU will continue to address these risks head-on, supporting scholars at risk, promoting open scientific collaboration, and advocating for environments in which research can flourish without undue interference.
