The European Union now has 100 national and regional initiatives in place to attract global research
According to a new update published by the European Commission, 101 funding and support schemes are currently available across the EU, up from just 65 initiatives reported in May last year.
This increase shows that EU Member States remain committed to making Europe one of the most attractive destinations for scientific careers, offering opportunities at every stage of a researcher’s professional journey.
National and regional schemes
Across all 27 EU countries, national and regional authorities are rolling out competitive grants, mobility and reintegration programmes, tenure-track and long-term research positions, fellowships for researchers at risk, and tailored career development support. Together, these initiatives represent at least €1 billion in funding opportunities.
The schemes are open both to global research’s and to those already working within the EU, reinforcing Europe’s openness and its ambition to compete in a highly globalised research landscape. Early results suggest the approach is working. In the second half of 2025 alone, Germany selected 166 researchers through its Global Minds Initiative, while Austria awarded 25 fellowships under its APART-USA programme. France and Belgium have also reported strong recruitment outcomes, with dozens of international researchers joining leading universities.
EU-level funding expands under Choose Europe
These national efforts complement funding opportunities at the EU level under the Choose Europe initiative, launched in May 2025. Initially backed by €500 million, the initiative has since expanded to nearly €900 million for the 2025–27 period, reflecting strong political backing and rising demand.
New measures include a €240 million call for European Research Area Chairs under Horizon Europe for 2026–27, as well as €51 million dedicated to a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Choose Europe for Science call planned for 2027. Together, these instruments aim to support excellence, mobility and long-term career prospects for researchers in Europe.
Rising international interest in European research
Interest from global researchers and countries associated with Horizon Europe has surged since the launch of Choose Europe.
Applications from abroad for European Research Council Advanced Grants have nearly quadrupled, while Starting Grant applications rose by more than 50%. The 2026 Consolidator Grant call recorded a 130% increase in applications from researchers currently working outside Europe. Applications for MSCA postdoctoral fellowships have also increased by 65% over the past year.
These figures point to growing international confidence in Europe’s research environment, driven by strong funding, academic freedom and high living standards.
Easier access and a stronger research area
To help researchers navigate the expanding range of opportunities, the Commission is providing a single access point through the EURAXESS platform. This gateway allows global talent to more easily identify funding schemes, job openings, and mobility support across Europe.
The update was published alongside the adoption of a new EU Visa Policy Strategy, designed to simplify procedures, improve access and strengthen capacities so that international researchers can move to Europe more smoothly.
These funding schemes contribute to building a genuine single market for research and innovation. Through the European Research Area Policy Agenda 2025–27 and the forthcoming ERA Act, the EU aims to improve working conditions, career development, mobility and skills recognition.
