The European Commission is urging EU countries to speed up visa procedures in a concerted effort to attract researchers from the US, many of whom are looking to leave due to science and research budget cuts under the Trump administration.
By Marco Tabili
EU research ministers will commune on May 23 to discuss strategies for capitalizing on the dissatisfaction among US scientists. The goal is to draw them into Europe’s research ecosystem, where funding and scientific freedom may be more secure.
European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva stated that the Commission will propose measures to improve coordination across EU member states, particularly regarding visa processing of scientists from the US looking for an alternative residence so as to continue freely practicing their professions.
“For example, visas—the speed at which we issue them,” Zaharieva said. “We want to motivate Member States to use the tools we already have more quickly, because speed matters.”
The Commission also intends to enshrine the principle of scientific freedom in EU law as part of the upcoming European Research Area legislation, which Zaharieva plans to present in 2026.
“Let’s use this momentum and this opportunity to attract the brightest and best talents from around the world,” she said.
Just last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €500 million ($5.6 million) initiative aimed at luring US researchers. A portion of these funds will go toward grants and subsidies for scientists looking to relocate to Europe.
Zaharieva also cited increasing restrictions on US universities as a further reason to strengthen EU science funding. She emphasized the importance of securing sufficient resources in the EU’s next seven-year budget cycle, starting in 2028.
“We know that, when it comes to science, our friends across the Atlantic no longer consider it a priority,” she said. “That’s why the next budget really matters.”
In February, the Commission unveiled a draft plan for the upcoming budget that proposes merging industrial and research funding into a single “Competitiveness Fund.” The move has sparked concern among many researchers in Europe, who fear it could dilute the focus on pure science.
“The goal is really to boost our competitiveness,” Zaharieva explained. “And the next EU budget should be much simpler and more targeted.”
By Marco Tabili
Professional journalist and EFJ-IFJ member
