The European Union has initiated a campaign to attract scientists and researchers to Europe in response to the freezing of U.S. government funding tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives under the Trump administration. French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of supporting research and scientific endeavors without discriminatory policies. Von der Leyen announced a “super grant” program with a funding injection of 500 million euros to make Europe an appealing hub for researchers, complementing the existing budget of the European Research Council. The EU also plans to enshrine freedom of scientific research into law to uphold its principles amidst global challenges.

In contrast, the White House criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives as discriminatory policies, highlighting a divergence in approaches between the U.S. and Europe. The decision to cut funding for research projects promoting diversity and combating censorship has sparked protests among scientists and researchers in the U.S. Von der Leyen underscored the importance of diversity in science and emphasized the value of protecting it as a global asset.

Macron pledged to enhance investment in science and research in France and called for Europe to be a sanctuary for scientists facing threats elsewhere. The EU aims to address obstacles faced by scientists, such as bureaucratic hurdles and limited access to businesses. Von der Leyen’s efforts to attract talent to Europe align with her strategy to leverage trade agreements with other countries and mitigate challenges posed by recent U.S. policy shifts. The push to bolster scientific opportunities in Europe reflects a commitment to uphold the principles of free and open research for the benefit of global innovation and progress.