Fact Check: The European Union has pledged €500 million (around $556 million) over the next two years to become a prime destination for displaced scientists.

Fact Check: "The European Union has pledged €500 million (around $556 million) over the next two years to become a prime destination for displaced scientists."

What We Know

The European Union (EU) has indeed announced a funding initiative aimed at attracting scientists, particularly from the United States. On May 5, 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed a pledge of €500 million (approximately $568 million) to support this initiative, known as the "Choose Europe for Science" program. This funding is intended to be allocated between 2025 and 2027, with the goal of making Europe a more appealing destination for researchers facing challenges in their home countries, particularly due to funding cuts in the U.S. under the Trump administration (DW, Ars Technica).

Von der Leyen emphasized the need for Europe to attract scientists, stating, "We want scientists, researchers, academics, and highly skilled workers to choose Europe" (Reuters). The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance research and development (R&D) within the EU, which also includes a target for member states to allocate 3% of their GDP to R&D projects by 2030 (Ars Technica).

Analysis

The claim that the EU has pledged €500 million to attract displaced scientists is supported by multiple credible sources. The announcement was made at a significant conference in Paris, where von der Leyen outlined the motivations behind the funding, citing the adverse effects of U.S. policies on scientific research and the need for a stable environment for researchers (DW, European Conservative).

The reliability of the sources reporting this information is high. Major news outlets such as Reuters, DW, and Ars Technica have covered the announcement, providing detailed accounts of the initiative and its implications. These sources are known for their journalistic integrity and have a history of reporting on EU policies and scientific funding matters.

However, it is important to note that while the funding is substantial, the initiative's effectiveness in actually attracting scientists will depend on various factors, including the bureaucratic environment in the EU and the specific incentives offered to researchers (Ars Technica). Additionally, the political context in the U.S. regarding scientific funding and immigration policies will also play a significant role in influencing researchers' decisions to relocate (European Conservative).

Conclusion

The claim that "The European Union has pledged €500 million (around $556 million) over the next two years to become a prime destination for displaced scientists" is True. The EU's commitment to invest in scientific talent is well-documented and supported by credible sources, reflecting a strategic response to the challenges faced by researchers in the U.S. and a desire to enhance Europe's position in the global scientific community.

Sources

1. EU pledges half a billion euros to lure scientists as Trump battles ...
2. EU pledges €500 million for science amid US funding cuts
3. Europe launches program to lure scientists away from the US
4. MEPs to discuss the EU's “Choose Europe for Science” initiative
5. 'Choose Europe': EU To Spend Half a Billion To Steal U.S. Scientists
6. EU Launches €500 Million 'Choose Europe' Campaign to ...
7. 'Choose Europe': New €500m push launched to lure disgruntled US scientists
8. Choose Europe: EU Pledges €500M to Attract Researchers