At the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ event held on 5 May 2025 at the Sorbonne in Paris, the European Commission and the French government presented two major initiatives designed to boost Europe’s attractiveness to international researchers. The event came in response to growing global challenges to academic freedom and underlined Europe’s commitment to openness, collaboration, and long-term investment in science. 

The European Commission announced the Choose Europe Initiative, which builds on prior announcements for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) (see ACA Newsletter – Education Europe, February 2025) and outlines actions to uphold scientific freedom, improve research conditions, and accelerate the path from science to innovation. Measures include a EUR 500 million package for 2025–2027, a proposed European Research Area Act to enshrine freedom of research in EU law, and enhanced support for international mobility and scientific cooperation through Horizon Europe and the European Research Council.  

In parallel, a EUR 100 million national investment was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron, financed through the France 2030 programme, to support the arrival of foreign researchers—particularly those from countries where academic freedom is under threat. This measure is intended to complement EU-level efforts by improving institutional support and offering concrete incentives for researchers to relocate to France.  

Further reinforcing these efforts, the European Commission launched on 8 May the 2025 call for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships. With a budget of EUR 404.3 million, the programme offers opportunities for postdoctoral researchers to engage in international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral projects across Europe. The fellowships are designed to enhance researchers' skills and career prospects while fostering scientific excellence within the EU. 

Seen together, these initiatives represent Europe’s ambition to remain a welcoming and reliable environment for research, built on the principles of openness, collaboration, and academic freedom.