On May 5, 2025, the European Union unveiled a significant €500 million initiative aimed at attracting top-tier scientists and researchers globally.
Announced at Sorbonne University in Paris, the “Choose Europe for Science” program introduces seven-year “super grants” under the European Research Council (ERC), extending beyond the traditional five-year grants to provide long-term support for groundbreaking research. This move seeks to position Europe as a premier destination for scientific inquiry and innovation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to maintaining an open and free scientific environment, highlighting efforts to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate access to venture capital. French President Emmanuel Macron supported the initiative with an additional €100 million investment from France, underscoring Europe’s responsibility to uphold scientific freedom and address global challenges such as health, climate change, and artificial intelligence.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance Europe’s competitiveness. In January 2025, the European Commission introduced the “Competitiveness Compass,” a roadmap aimed at restoring Europe’s economic dynamism. The strategy focuses on closing the innovation gap, decarbonizing the economy, and reducing dependencies, with measures to simplify regulations, promote skills development, and improve access to financing.
Hungary, during its EU Council Presidency in the latter half of 2024, played a pivotal role in shaping the EU’s competitiveness agenda. The Hungarian Presidency prioritized the development of a New European Competitiveness Deal, culminating in the adoption of the “Budapest Declaration” in November 2024. This declaration emphasized the need for immediate action to boost the EU’s competitiveness, including reducing administrative burdens, lowering energy prices, and fostering a green industrial policy. The initiative also set a target for EU member states to invest 3% of GDP in research and development by 2030.
These concerted efforts by the EU and its member states demonstrate a unified approach to strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in research and innovation, while addressing structural challenges to economic growth and competitiveness.
Image source: European Commission
