Financial incentives and support of science. The Union wants to download scientists from the USA

The EU wants to attract the most talented researchers from around the world, including the USA – said the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Monday in Paris. She announced, among others Financial incentives, regulatory facilitations, as well as entering scientific research into the EU law.

“The role of science in today's world is questioned. What a mistake. I believe that science is the key to our future here, in Europe. Without it, we simply cannot face today's global challenges – from health to new technologies, from climate to oceans,” said von der Leyen in a speech on the sorbonon, announcing the new EU initiative “Choose Europe for science.”

The basic element of the new program is to enter freedom to conduct scientific research into EU law, because “in the face of growing threats around the world, Europe will not compromise in terms of its beliefs.” This entry is to be found in the currently being prepared on the European research area, which has, among others improve the mobility of scientists within the community, introduce more fair salaries and strengthen the position of women in science.

Freedom freedom, but money is also needed

The second pillar of the initiative is a financial package worth EUR 500 million for 2025-2027. Some of these funds are to be directed to scientists who want to move to the EU. Currently, researchers who decide to come to Europe may apply to the European Council for Scientific Research (ERC) by EUR 1 million above the limit of the applicable scientists in the EU, and this sum is to be increased to EUR 2 million.

The third element of the EU initiative is regulatory facilitations. They are to cover, among others Simplifying visa requirements for foreign scientists and programs that are to allow you to shorten the path between research and business. It comes, among others on facilitating innovative start-ups in access to large capital, which will be specified in the currently prepared Act on European innovation and the new Strategy for Start-ups and Production Scaling.

Polish Deputy Minister of Science Andrzej Szeptycki, who also participated in the event, pointed out that the EU still remains dependent on other players in many key areas. According to him, this is a threat to the competitiveness of native companies, but also weakens its strategic position. In this context, he mentioned the artificial intelligence and semiconductor sector and the space industry.

“We send a Polish astronaut in a few days as part of the mission of the European Space Agency, but we send it from Florida. It is a matter of access to space and critical infrastructure, and this creates a risk for the autonomy of Europe,” the deputy minister noted.

The EC proposal comes when large cuts for research in the USA, especially those about climate, vaccinations or minority issues. The EU commissioner for start-ups, research and innovation Ekaterina Zachariew stated at the beginning of April that in this context, the EU should become a safe marina for the best scientists.

“The current situation in the world is a chance to show the world that Europe remains a safe place for science and research. Europe may and should be the best place to conduct scientific research, a place that attracts and maintains researchers, both European and international,” said the commissioner.

Maria Wiśniewska (PAP)

MWS/ AP/