Overview

• The European Commission announced the €500 million Choose Europe Initiative (2025–2027) to attract global research talent, alongside France's €100 million top-up from the France 2030 program.
• The plan was presented by Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron at the Sorbonne, framing Europe as a hub for academic freedom and innovation.
• Italy criticized the initiative's organization and political framing, highlighting its own €50 million fund launched in April to support returning researchers.
• Italian officials and academics, including the University of Bologna's rector, argued for collaborative exchange programs over direct recruitment from U.S. institutions.
• The program responds to U.S. policies under the Trump administration, which have reduced research funding and tightened visa restrictions, prompting concerns over a brain drain.