Choose Europe for Science" initiative launched with 500 million euros in funding

European leaders gathered at Sorbonne University with a strong message: science is a strategic priority for Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched "Choose Europe for Science", an initiative to boost European competitiveness by strengthening academic freedom, increasing research funding and attracting global talent.

The EUNICE European University attended the launch event at the Sorbonne University (Paris) on May 5, represented by Professor Philippe Dubois (Rector, UMons), Professor Wojciech Sumelka (Vice-Rector for Research, PUT), Professor Sébastien Grondel (Vice-President for EUNICE and Europe, UPHF), Professor Luis Muñoz Gutiérrez (Vice-Rector for Internationalization, UC). Their participation testifies to EUNICE's growing influence in shaping a stable research and higher education landscape in Europe.

Madame Von der Leyen emphasized Europe's commitment to academic freedom and scientific excellence, citing breakthroughs achieved through EU-funded projects such as mRNA vaccines and microchip innovation. She announced new funding of 500 million euros (2025-2027), a new chairs program to attract international scientists and a "COFUND flash" pilot project awarding one million euros to each university alliance for rapid collaborative projects.

The EUNICE delegation welcomed this initiative as an important step towards strengthening Europe's leadership in science.

Mr Dubois underlined the fundamental values at stake: "Science is by nature universal. There can be no innovation without fundamental research, and academic freedom remains the cornerstone of democracy".

Mr. Muñoz defined the initiative as "a centerpiece in the way research and innovation will be managed in Europe in the future". Mr Sumelka, for his part, stressed the importance of strategic alignment at European level, and Mr Grondel adopted an optimistic tone as regards the future: "We should be enthusiastic about the idea that Europe is really committed to science and that this is supported at the highest political levels."

After the presentation, the alliances gathered for a policy session with representatives from the cabinets of European Commissioners Ekaterina Zaharieva (start-ups, research and innovation) and Roxana Minzatu (social rights and skills, quality jobs and preparation).

The discussion focused on the future of the alliances and the instrumental role they should play in implementing the priorities of the "Choose Europe" program. Operational details of the new funding instrument are currently being worked out by the European Research Council (ERC) and will be announced in due course. The session underlined the importance of long-term support for university networks such as EUNICE as part of the EU's science and innovation agenda.