The European Union and France on Monday (May 5) announced half a billion euros worth of incentives to lure scientists to the continent, seeking to profit from U.S. President Donald Trump's federal funding cuts and clashes with top U.S. universities.

Paris

In a move to attract scientists to Europe, the European Union and France have announced incentives amounting to half a billion euros. The initiative is aimed at benefiting from the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's recent actions, which include federal funding cuts and conflicts with major U.S. universities. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained that the financial package, set for 2025 to 2027, will support research projects and aid universities in integrating foreign scientists.

Trump's policies towards U.S. universities have included freezing federal funding, conducting investigations, and revoking visas for international students. These actions have stirred controversy, most notably Trump's proposal to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status. Harvard has labeled this potential action as an unlawful use of the U.S. tax code.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his opinion on the situation, noting the irony in the developments. He highlighted that the U.S., known for its economic model thriving on free science and innovation, is now in a position that could be disadvantageous. However, a concern remains whether European universities, which generally have less financial muscle compared to their U.S. counterparts, can effectively narrow the funding gap needed to lure top U.S. researchers.



Europe makes pitch to scientists as Trump battles universities

In an effort to lure scientists to Europe, France and the European Union on Monday announced half a billion euros worth of incentives for researchers. The pledge comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump's clashes with top U.S. universities. Here's EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Science is an investment, and we need to offer the right incentives. This is why I can announce that we will put forward a new 500 million euro package for 2025 to 2027 to make Europe a magnet for researchers. Officials said the money would fund research projects and help universities cover the cost of bringing foreign scientists over to help run them. Trump has targeted U.S. universities since taking office in January by freezing federal funding, launching investigations, revoking international students' visas, and making other demands. Last week, he said he will revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, a move that Harvard said would be an unlawful misuse of the U.S. tax code. Speaking alongside von der Leyen on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron had this to say. Nobody could have thought that that very great democracy, whose economic model relies so much on free science, on innovation, and on its ability over the last three decades to innovate more than Europeans, and transmitted this innovation more widely, would make such an error. But that's where we are. But with European universities far less wealthy than their U.S. peers, it remains to be seen if they can bridge the funding gap that is needed to attract top U.S. researchers.

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