Mr. Grudler, what prompted you to launch your appeal to the President of the European Commission in defence of the American scientific community?
“The situation unfolding in the United States is dramatic: massive budget cuts, the elimination of grants, abusive dismissals, and even intimidation targeting researchers, including foreign nationals.
As Renew Europe coordinator in the Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE), I felt it was essential for Europe to step up. The EU has a role to play and should offer itself as a safe haven for these researchers.
We have world-class universities, academic freedom, and excellence-driven research ecosystems. That’s exactly what these scientists are looking for: the freedom and support to do their work.
We do have the tools—ERC, Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, university alliances—but what we need now is additional financial means and urgent political action.”
How serious is the situation of scientific researchers in the United States? Are you in contact with some of them?
“It’s extremely serious and absolutely unprecedented. More than three-quarters of researchers in the US are reportedly considering leaving the country. That’s not a poll, that’s a warning shot.
We’ve reached a moment where ideology overrides science. It’s like we are back in the time of Galileo, where scientific truth must yield to the dogma of one man.
Yes, I am in touch with researchers in France who are in close contact with their American counterparts. The stories they share are deeply concerning: fear of speaking out, uncertainty about funding, and a general sense that science is no longer welcome.”
In your appeal, you call for the ‘Choose Europe’ programme and the scientific visa strategy to be sped up. Do you think that the European institutions have the means and, above all, the political will to act with the necessary speed?
“Absolutely. In Europe, we believe in freedom and excellence. The “Choose Europe” initiative, which aims to attract global talent, is a step in the right direction. But the pilot budget of 22.5 million euros is definitely not enough.
I do believe there is political will, and even more encouraging is the mobilisation of civil society—universities, researchers, students.
We already have the levers: ERC grants, Horizon Europe, visa strategies, university
networks. Now we need to act faster and more boldly.”
The dismissal of the scientist Katherine Calvin has been cited as a warning sign. What does it mean, symbolically and concretely, for the fight against climate change and for science in general?
“It is both symbolic and catastrophic. Katherine Calvin was Chief Scientist at NASA and a key figure in the IPCC. Her dismissal shows that climate science is being silenced at the highest levels. This isn’t just about one person. The US has gone as far as to ban certain terms like climate change, pollution, and even women from research documents.
This censorship means entire research fields are collapsing. We’re losing vital knowledge, medical advances, and even a generation of future scientists. When a government starts controlling scientific language, it’s often a step toward dictatorship.
It also affects global science. US agencies like NOAA produce climate, weather and space data that Europe partly relies on. If those are cut, it’s as if we’re losing part of our eyesight. But I do know that our European space program is resilient, and I’m actively pushing to increase the budget in this strategic sector.”
How can Europe turn this crisis into an opportunity to establish itself as a global leader in research and innovation?
“By attracting the best minds and making it clear they’re welcome here. Let’s provide places for these researchers in our universities and labs. Let’s mobilise both public and private funding, and facilitate relocation through fast-tracked visas and support measures. Europe could also co-finance laboratory infrastructures through dedicated research funds or cohesion funds.
Of course, Member States must act too. The EU alone cannot do everything—but it can lead the way.
I truly believe Europe has a unique opportunity to reinforce its position as a global scientific powerhouse. Let’s seize it with confidence and unity.
Now is the time to be proud of what Europe represents—for science, for freedom, and for the future.”
