Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented today in Paris the main elements of "Choose Europe", a new policy initiative to ensure Europe continues to be at the forefront of research and attracts the best and brightest scientists around the world.
The President presented the plan during a speech at La Sorbonne in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. She described Europe as a place of opportunity for science, with the second highest scientific output in the world, and leader in areas such as green tech and health.
She explained Europe's support and openness to science has borne fruit: "Over the last 40 years, the European Union has funded 33 Nobel Prize laureates. European support has made possible breakthroughs in genome sequencing and mRNA vaccines. It spurred the development of cutting-edge microchips, and even led to the first image of a black hole. These examples show what we all know – the return on investment in science is unparalleled."
At the heart of that support has been the EU's Horizon Europe, the largest international research programme. In itself, Horizon Europe is proof of Europe's openness to the world. It brings together scientists from all over Europe and beyond to cooperate and research together. From the UK, to Canada, to Switzerland, to South Korea, many countries are associated to the programme or working to join it.
President von der Leyen said Europe is determined to make science thrive and become a leader in technologies such as AI, quantum, space, and biotechnology.
"Choose Europe" is the embodiment of that determination. The President described some of the initiative's main elements, including achieving freedom of movement for knowledge and data across Europe and ensuring freedom of scientific research through a European Research Area Act. "Because as threats rise across the world, Europe will not compromise on its principles. Europe must remain the home of academic and scientific freedom," she said.
The President explained financing is vital for science, which is why the Commission will put forward €500 million for the 2025-2027 period, with the objective to attract scientists. It will also create a seven-year super grant under the European Research Council, ERC, to provide long-term support for the very best.
A "Choose Europe" pilot will also be created under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) to attract scientists early in their career and support them with higher allowances and longer contracts. The Commission will work to better connect researchers around the world with European institutions and to speed up the process for them to come and stay in Europe.
Moreover, Choose Europe will also be about bringing scientific discoveries and innovation to businesses faster. A European Innovation Act and a Startup and Scaleup Strategy will remove barriers and facilitate access to venture capital for innovative companies.
According to President von der Leyen, Europe has made its choice: the choice to put science and technology at the heart of its economy, to let innovation serve humanity, and welcome global talent, and to turn universities into pillars of society.
The President concluded her remarks saying: "So, to every researcher, at home or abroad, to every young girl and boy who dreams of a life in science, our message is clear: Choose Science. Choose Europe."
