EU calls on US scientists to “Choose Europe”

The EU has launched the “Choose Europe” initiative, inviting scientists in the United States to relocate to Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made this call to American scientists who are under threat due to US President Donald Trump's policies. She promised more financial incentives, longer-term contracts, less bureaucracy, and a legal commitment to respect research freedom.

The EU also plans to create a “super grant” — the first of its kind in 87 years — and offer financial bonuses to those who choose to relocate.

Speaking at a joint event with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Sorbonne University, von der Leyen said: “We need to defend science more than ever. Science is universal – shared by all humanity – and unifying. We all agree that science has no passport, no gender, no ethnicity, and no political party. We believe diversity is a value of humanity and the lifeblood of science. It is one of the most valuable global goods and must be protected.”

Although von der Leyen did not mention Trump by name, her repeated emphasis on “free and open” research left little doubt about the ultimate goal: to turn America’s chaos into Europe’s opportunity.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has made sweeping cuts to the federal budget, slashing billions of dollars in grants to scientific institutions, universities, research centers, and medical facilities.

Source: Euronews Türkçe