Europe as a “safe haven” for scientists. Escaping from Trump's politics

In the European Union, especially in Spain, France and Germany, there are more and more initiatives aimed at attracting talented American scientists who are discouraged by the policies of US President Donald Trump – reported the Spanish daily “El Pais”.

In recent months, Europe has made efforts to attract scientists from the US. The aim of European initiatives is to create space for scientific work for researchers who, due to budget cuts and restrictions introduced by the Trump administration, cannot develop in domestic institutions.

Spain's science ministry and research agency saw a twofold increase in applications from the US in 2025 for one of the country's main research programs. In turn, as a spokesman for the German Ministry of the Interior told the daily, the number of residence permits issued to US citizens at the beginning of 2026 increased by 32%. compared to January to September in 2024-25. They included the following reasons for stay: professional activity, training, studies and job search.

The French “Safe Place for Science” program focuses, among others, on: on research related to the environment, gender, history and biology, which, as Eric Berton, rector of the University of Aix-Marseille, where the program was initiated, noted, “have been banned by the Trump administration.”

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced in May 2025 the launch of the “Choose Europe for Science” program, financed with an amount of approximately EUR 500 million. The aim of this initiative is to attract candidates from the USA.

In recent months, the Trump administration has introduced budget cuts that hit universities and research centers, as well as, among others, froze numerous funds and grants supporting research in areas including: biomedicine and climate change. Additionally, there was an open conflict between Trump and the authorities of some of the most prestigious universities in the country – including: Harvard University has suffered from the cancellation of federal contracts and threats of funding withdrawals.

During the Cold War, the United States was a leader in scientific research thanks to large federal investments. Currently, this position is in danger due to Trump's policy, said “El Pais”. (PAP)

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