Addressing the European Parliament on April 1, 2025, Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva spotlighted the challenges facing EU academics and researchers in the US, emphasizing the pressing need to protect academic freedom. Citing drastic federal research spending cuts and legislative restrictions targeting specific scientific fields such as climate science and vaccine research in the US, she warned of a global trend of increasing pressure and instrumentalization of science.
A Call for Legal Protection of Academic Freedom
Zaharieva framed Europe as a bastion of academic freedom with a historic responsibility to uphold it. To solidify this position, she proposed enshrining freedom of scientific research into EU law—a concrete legislative measure aligned with the European Parliament's January 2024 resolution. This step aims to shield research from political or ideological interference, enhancing the EU’s role as a safe environment for intellectual inquiry.
Boosting Attractiveness and Research Careers
The commissioner also outlined practical incentives such as the "Choose Europe" pilot under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which offers higher allowances and extended recruitment periods to top PhD researchers attracted to Europe. Further support includes increasing European Research Council grantees' relocation top-ups from 1 million to 2 million Euros, signaling commitment to retaining talent.
Policy Coordination and Simplification
Highlighting fragmentation in national research strategies, Zaharieva underscored the upcoming European Research Area Act to harmonize strategies across member states. A future Visa Strategy promises to simplify entry for international researchers and skilled workers, supporting the EU’s global scientific competitiveness.
Stakeholder Impacts and Policy Implications
For EU researchers, these measures promise more secure, attractive career prospects with improved funding and legal safeguards. EU universities and research institutions may face new compliance demands but gain from increased collaboration and resources. The policy potentially strengthens the EU’s scientific regulatory framework, balancing autonomy and coordination between national and EU levels. Conversely, the push for legal enshrinement introduces new layers of oversight for national authorities, who must align with EU-wide standards. Meanwhile, stakeholders in the US academic sector may see reduced engagement opportunities as talent is drawn towards Europe's reinforced academic ecosystem.
In sum, Commissioner Zaharieva’s speech presents a clear policy trajectory favoring increased EU integration in academic governance, enhanced EU-wide research infrastructure, and targeted incentives to attract top talent, all framed within a defence of academic freedom against external political pressures.