On 20 May 2026, Commissioner Michael McGrath, together with Executive Vice-Presidents Virkkunen and Mînzatu and Commissioner Zaharieva, issued a joint statement on International Academic Freedom Day warning that academic freedom is under growing pressure from disinformation, censorship, and political interference. The statement announces that the Commission is preparing a recommendation on supporting scientific evidence in public policymaking and that the forthcoming ERA Act will embed safeguards for freedom of scientific research, ensuring research remains independent from political agendas.
The statement builds on existing EU commitments. Freedom of scientific research is already recognised in the 2021 Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe and anchored in Article 13 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Commission's planned recommendation follows the 2020 Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research. The ERA Act will translate these principles into binding action, guaranteeing open collaboration and protecting intellectual independence.
Concrete proposals and funding commitments
The statement contains several concrete proposals. In the next Horizon Europe programme, the Commission proposes to double support for the European Research Council (ERC) and substantially increase the budget for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). These bottom-up, excellence-based instruments give researchers freedom to set their own direction. The statement also references the Choose Europe initiative, which presents the EU as a global destination for research talent, supported by MSCA, Choose Europe for Science, and planned ERC Plus Grants.
strengthening EU role in protecting academic freedom
The statement signals a clear policy orientation toward strengthening the EU's role in safeguarding academic freedom both internally and externally. It positions Europe as a safe haven for researchers under threat, offering protection for those escaping conflict, persecution, or systemic censorship. The tone is assertive in defending independent science against political interference, but remains conciliatory toward researchers globally, inviting them to 'Choose Europe.'
Stakeholder impacts
- EU researchers and academics: Positive impact. Doubled ERC funding and increased MSCA budgets provide more opportunities for curiosity-driven research. The ERA Act safeguards offer legal protection against political interference. However, the benefits depend on effective implementation. - EU research institutions and universities: Positive impact from increased funding and clearer legal framework, but may face administrative burdens in complying with new ERA Act requirements. - Non-EU researchers: Positive impact. The 'Choose Europe' initiative and safe-haven commitments make the EU more attractive, potentially increasing brain gain from countries with restricted academic freedom. - EU taxpayers: Mixed impact. Increased funding for research (doubled ERC budget) represents higher public expenditure, but may yield long-term economic and innovation benefits.
Challenges acknowledged
attacks on university autonomy, politicisation of research, and targeting of academics for their views. The EU commits to addressing these risks by supporting scholars at risk, promoting open scientific collaboration, and advocating for environments where research can flourish without interference.