Brussels, May 20, 2025 — The European Union is being urged to reassess its research and innovation policies to ensure a more balanced approach between supporting domestic researchers and welcoming international talent. Experts and policymakers say that while Europe remains a global hub for scientific collaboration, more needs to be done to retain local talent and attract the best minds from abroad.
The call comes amid growing concerns over “brain drain” within certain EU member states, where young researchers are leaving for better-funded opportunities outside the Union. Simultaneously, tightening immigration policies and bureaucratic hurdles are making it harder for non-EU scientists to find a long-term home in European institutions.
“Europe must remain open to the world, but not at the expense of its own research communities,” said Dr. Anja Meyer, a policy advisor at the European Research Council. “We need to provide clear career pathways, competitive funding, and institutional support to both EU nationals and international researchers.”
According to a recent report from the European Commission, over 30% of doctoral candidates in EU research programs are from outside the Union — a testament to the EU’s global appeal. However, the same report highlighted disparities in funding access and long-term career prospects between EU-born and foreign-born researchers.
The issue is expected to be a key topic at the upcoming Horizon Europe midterm review, where funding priorities for the second half of the €95.5 billion research program will be discussed.
Advocates for international mobility stress that global cooperation is crucial in addressing challenges such as climate change, public health, and digital transformation. “Diversity in research is not a luxury — it’s essential for innovation,” said Professor Luis Almeida, a Portuguese AI expert working in Germany. “But it must be inclusive and sustainable.”
Proposed solutions include revising visa policies, simplifying residency permits for scientists, and increasing investment in local research infrastructure across less affluent EU regions.
As Europe competes with the United States, China, and emerging tech hubs around the world, how it balances support for its own talent and openness to global researchers could define the continent’s scientific future.