Europe pledges half a billion euros to lure scientists from US

'Come and help us stay free,' France's Macron says as Trump battles universities

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the "Choose Europe for Science" event at the Sorbonne University in Paris on May 5. © Reuters

May 5, 2025 22:46 JST

PARIS (Reuters) -- The European Union and France on Monday 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.

"We call on researchers worldwide to unite and join us. ... If you love freedom, come and help us stay free," French President Emmanuel Macron said at Paris' Sorbonne University alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.