Context:

The European Union has announced a €500 million initiative aimed at attracting researchers, addressing recent reductions in US research funding and policy shifts under the Trump administration. At the 'Choose Europe for science' event in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the US for canceling research grants and hindering scientific innovation, calling these actions a mistake. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of free and open scientific research, proposing legal protection for such freedom and setting a research investment target for EU member states. The US National Science Foundation's recent cancellation of grants related to diversity and misinformation research exemplifies the changes in US science policy, which Macron argues undermine America's historical scientific strength. The EU's move is seen as a countermeasure to reaffirm Europe's commitment to scientific freedom and innovation amidst global policy shifts.

Dive Deeper:

• The European Union is allocating €500 million over the next three years to enhance its appeal as a global research hub, responding to changes in US science policy under President Trump that include significant funding cuts.

• During the 'Choose Europe for science' event, French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the US for actions such as canceling research grants and impeding scientific progress, labeling these moves as a critical error.

• Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission's President, stressed the importance of maintaining an open and free scientific environment, suggesting enshrining scientific freedom into law and encouraging EU nations to invest 3% of their GDP in research by 2030.

• The US National Science Foundation recently announced the cancellation of hundreds of grants, affecting research areas related to diversity, equity, misinformation, and vaccine integrity, aligning with Trump's executive order on 'restoring freedom of speech.'

• Macron highlighted the unexpected nature of a major democracy like the US rolling back research initiatives due to ideological reasons, particularly those involving diversity, which he views as detrimental to the country's innovative edge.

• Von der Leyen reaffirmed Europe's commitment to scientific openness as its distinctive feature, emphasizing the need to uphold this principle now more than ever, in contrast to the restrictive measures observed in the US.

• The European Union's initiative is seen as a strategic effort to attract global talent and ensure scientific progress, positioning Europe as a leader in scientific research amid international policy changes.