In a world facing urgent global challenges and fierce competition for talent, the European Union has made a clear statement: science is not only central to Europe’s future—it’s a powerful opportunity for young minds dreaming of a career in research. But can this promise translate into meaningful change?
“Choose Europe”: Can the EU Deliver a Future for Young Minds in Science?
Europe, a Continent of Science and Opportunity
The setting for the announcement wasn’t random. Standing at the historic Sorbonne University in Paris—long a symbol of European academic tradition—European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a new political initiative: “Choose Europe.”
The goal? To make Europe the place to be for researchers worldwide. The initiative puts a strong emphasis on supporting research, innovation, and scientific mobility, with a special focus on young researchers just starting out.
Von der Leyen reminded the audience that Europe is already the world’s second-largest producer of scientific knowledge, leading in areas like green technology and healthcare. And EU investments in research are paying off: in the last 40 years, EU-funded projects have helped 33 Nobel Prize winners and led to groundbreaking advances like genome sequencing, mRNA vaccines, cutting-edge microchips, and even the first photo of a black hole.
Horizon Europe: Where Science Meets Collaboration
At the core of this strategy is Horizon Europe—the world’s largest multinational research funding program. But it’s more than just money. It’s about bringing researchers together from across Europe and beyond.
Countries like the UK, Canada, Switzerland, and South Korea have already joined the program, and more are eager to follow. This openness reflects a key principle: building a global knowledge community without borders.
Von der Leyen pointed out that Europe doesn’t just want to catch up—it wants to lead in the technologies of the future: artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, space industries, and biotech.
This is where young researchers come in. The EU wants to empower a new generation of scientists to thrive—personally and professionally—in Europe, not outside of it.
Freedom to Think, Freedom to Discover
At the heart of “Choose Europe” lies a simple but powerful idea: freedom of research and open knowledge exchange. The initiative includes a proposed European Research Area Act, a new legal tool to protect academic independence across all EU member states.
Von der Leyen stressed that in uncertain geopolitical times, scientific freedom cannot be compromised. Europe’s values—openness, independence, and solidarity—should attract bright young minds from around the world.
To back this up, the European Commission announced new funding. Between 2025 and 2027, €500 million will be invested to attract international researchers to Europe.
In addition, the European Research Council (ERC) will launch prestigious seven-year grants to offer long-term support to top talent.
A Boost for Young Researchers
“Choose Europe” puts young scientists front and center. A new pilot program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions will offer higher fellowships and longer contracts to help early-career researchers focus on science without financial instability.
At the same time, the Commission promises to simplify visa and work permit procedures to make it easier for non-EU scientists to work and settle in Europe.
The plan also aims to bridge research and industry. Through the European Innovation Agenda and a new startup and scale-up strategy, the EU wants to remove barriers for young businesses and improve access to venture capital.
The hope? That the intersection of science and entrepreneurship will lead to breakthrough innovations that benefit society and power Europe’s economy.
Universities as Engines of Change
Von der Leyen’s vision is clear: Europe doesn’t just support science—it wants to make it a pillar of its social and economic model.
Universities, in this vision, are more than academic institutions—they’re key drivers of the continent’s future, shaping leaders and crafting solutions to global challenges.
And young people are essential to that mission. In an age of uncertainty and rapid change, your creativity, courage, and fresh perspective are what Europe needs to chart a new course.
The Commission President’s message was unambiguous:
“To every researcher, at home or abroad, to every young girl and boy who dreams of a life in science, as Maria Skłodowska-Curie once did, our message is clear: Choose Science. Choose Europe.”
A New Dawn, or Just a Symbolic Gesture?
While von der Leyen’s declarations may sound like a game-changer, big questions remain. Are these bold words the beginning of real reform—or more of a symbolic invitation for global talent?
In reality, the EU’s research landscape still struggles with deep structural issues that declarations alone can’t fix.
One major problem? The growing pressure to produce quick, quantifiable results, pushing researchers—especially early-career ones—into short-term project cycles and administrative overload, often at the cost of deep, meaningful work.
For many, especially young scientists, time and space for true research are missing. Combining academic and practical work—essential in fields like law or medicine—is often discouraged or outright impossible.
On top of that, short-term contracts, opaque hiring procedures, and a lack of long-term funding create an environment of constant uncertainty.
Unsurprisingly, many young researchers are leaving academia in favour of careers that offer better prospects and greater independence.
So, can the “Choose Europe” initiative deliver real change? That’s still unclear. But there’s a noticeable shift in tone—perhaps the first step toward a more thoughtful, responsive EU research policy.
Written by
Shape the conversation
Do you have anything to add to this story? Any ideas for interviews or angles we should explore? Let us know if you’d like to write a follow-up, a counterpoint, or share a similar story.
©2025 Pulse Z. Design & developed by Matrix Internet Opens in a new tab