Science, innovation, and Europe’s future: R&I at the core of EU Strategy

On 4 June, the high-level summit ‘Shaping Europe’s Future: Research and Innovation at the Heart of European Leadership’ brought together policymakers, leaders of Europe’s foremost research institutions, and stakeholder organisations, including EuChemS, for a reflection on Europe’s path forward in science, innovation, and global competitiveness.

Organised by STOA and the G6, the informal alliance of Europe’s six major research organisations, the event underscored the essential role of fundamental research in addressing global challenges and driving long-term economic and social prosperity.

Speakers including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening research frameworks. Von der Leyen’s keynote stressed the critical importance of safeguarding academic freedom, encouraging scientific curiosity, and ensuring Europe remains a magnet for talent. Presindent von der Leyen outlined three priorities for the Commission: boosting funding through programmes like Horizon Europe, attracting top researchers via new instruments such as ERC ‘Super Grants’, and narrowing the gap between research and market impact with the upcoming EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy.

With key messages centrering on investment in science, trust in researchers, and integration of research into Europe’s policy architecture, the summit marked an important moment for aligning scientific excellence with EU competitiveness and sovereignty.