European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has invited scientists and researchers from around the world to settle in Europe, reports "Reuters".
"Controversial debates in (European) universities are welcome. We consider the freedom of science and research to be fundamental," von der Leyen said in Valencia at the 2025 congress of the conservative European People's Party, the largest in the European Parliament. Not only because it is a core value for us, but also because that is how excellence and innovation thrive," she said.
We want scientists and researchers from all over the world to make Europe their home - and to make Europe the home of innovation again, she added.
During her speech, Von der Leyen sought to contrast the 27-nation European Union with the United States, touting it as a role model for fair and rules-based international trade.
"Global markets have been shaken by the unpredictable policies of the US administration. "US tariffs on the rest of the world are at their highest level in a century," von der Leyen said.
This comes as US President Donald Trump's administration threatens to cut federal funding for Harvard and other US universities.
They have been in the administration's sights, mainly for their handling of pro-Palestinian rallies against Israel's war in Gaza that rocked universities last year, but also over issues such as DEI programs, climate initiatives and transgender
Earlier in April, French President Emmanuel Macron also invited scientists from around the world to come and work in France or Europe. Macron did not mention the US specifically.