European universities to play a key role in shaping European research and attracting talent
European leaders gathered at Sorbonne University with a strong message: science is a strategic priority for Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron, together with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, inaugurated ‘Choose Europe for Science’, an initiative to make Europe more competitive based on strengthening academic freedom, increasing research funding and attracting global talent.
On 5 May 2025, representatives of the European University EUNICE: Prof. Wojciech Sumelka (Vice-Chancellor for Science, PUT), Prof. Philippe Dubois (Rector, UMons), Prof. Sébastien Grondel (Vice President for Europe and EUNICE, UPHF), Prof. Luis Muñoz Gutiérrez (Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation, UC) attended the launch event of the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative at Sorbonne University. The presence of EUNICE European University representatives at such an honourable event demonstrates the growing influence of EUNICE in shaping a stable European research and higher education landscape.
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of academic freedom for Europe as well as scientific excellence, citing groundbreaking EU-funded projects such as mRNA vaccines and microchip innovations. The President announced planned financial support of €500 million (2025-2027), a new programme to attract international researchers and pilot ‘flash COFUND’ grants awarding €1 million to each university alliance for rapid collaborative projects.
Alliances at the heart of the strategy
During the event, representatives of European alliances participated in a policy session with representatives of the cabinets of European Commissioners Ekaterina Zaharieva ( European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation) and Roxana Minzatu ( Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness).
The discussion focused on the future of the alliances and their expected role in implementing the priorities of the ‘Choose Europe’ initiative. Operational details of the new funding instrument are being developed by the European Research Council (ERC) and will be announced at a later date. The session highlighted the need for continued support for university alliances, such as EUNICE, as part of the EU's science and innovation agenda.
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