EUNICE to be instrumental at shaping Europe’s research and attract talent
European leaders gathered at Sorbonne University with a strong message: science is a Europe’s strategic priority. President of France Emmanuel Macron along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen launched “Choose Europe for Science”, an initiative to boost european competitiveness based on reinforcing academic freedom, increasing research funding, and attracting global talent.
EUNICE European University took part in the launching event at Sorbonne University (París), on May 5th, represented by Prof. Philippe Dubois (Rector, UMons), Prof. Wojciech Sumelka (Vice-Rector for Research, PUT), Prof. Sébastien Grondel (Vice-President for Europe and EUNICE, UPHF), Prof. Luis Muñoz Gutiérrez (Vice-Rector for Internationalization, UC). Their participation show EUNICE’s growing influence in shaping a stable Europe’s research and higher education landscape.
Von der Leyen stressed Europe’s dedication to academic freedom as well as scientific excellence, citing breakthroughs from EU-funded projects like mRNA vaccines and microchip innovation. She announced new funding of €500 million (2025–2027), a new chair program to attract international scientists, and a “flash COFUND” pilot granting €1 million for each university alliance for rapid collaborative projects.
A new way of managing research
The EUNICE delegation welcomed the initiative as a meaningful step toward reinforcing Europe’s leadership in science.
Dubois underlines the fundamental values at stake: “Science is by nature universal. No innovation happens without basic research, and academic freedom remains the cornerstone of democracy.”
Muñoz defined the initiative as “a cornerstone in the way research and innovation will be managed in Europe in the future”, Sumelka emphasized the importance of strategic alignment at the European level, and looking ahead, Grondel struck an optimistic tone: “We should be enthusiastic that Europe is truly committing to science, and that this is supported at the highest political levels.”
Alliances at the center of the strategy
After the presentation alliances met for policy session with representatives from the cabinets of European Commissioners Ekaterina Zaharieva (Startups, Research and Innovation) and Roxana Minzatu (Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness).
The discussion was focused on the future of Alliances and their expected instrumental role in implementing the “Choose Europe” priorities. The operational details of the new funding instrument are being developed by the European research Council (ERC) and will be announced in due course.The session highlighted the importance of long-term support for university networks like EUNICE within the EU’s science and innovation agenda.
More info:
https://commission.europa.eu/topics/research-and-innovation/choose-europe_en
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