“We want scientists and researchers from all over the world to make Europe their home - and also, the home of innovation once more”, said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on Tuesday 29 April, during her speech at the European People’s Party (EPP) Congress in Valencia, Spain (see EUROPE 13629/5).
“Controversy is welcome in our universities. Freedom of science and research is of paramount importance to us. Not only because this is a fundamental value for us, but also because this is how excellence and innovation thrive”, she emphasised. She said that Europe was open to the best and brightest talent, which is why the Commission will be putting forward proposals to help them ‘Choose Europe’ the name of the pilot call announced in March (see EUROPE 13593/18).
The ‘Choose Europe for Science’ initiative launched by French President Emmanuel Macron will take place on Monday 5 May. Two round tables will be held in the morning: the first on academic freedom and global public goods, and the second on EU dependence, opportunities and levers for competitiveness. They will be followed by statements from Mr Macron and Ms von der Leyen.
Commission Vice-Presidents Roxana Mînzatu, responsible for Social Rights and Employment, and Stéphane Séjourné, responsible for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, as well as Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, will also be present. (Original version in French by Anne Damiani and Mathieu Bion)