LBTU rector Irina Arhipova participated in a conference in Paris dedicated to the future of European science.
On 5 May, a high-level conference titled "Choose Europe for Science" was held at Sorbonne University in Paris, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Europe’s determination to become a global leader in science, research, and innovation. Representing Latvia’s higher education institutions, Rector of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), Irina Arhipova, took part in the conference, affirming Latvia’s active involvement in shaping the European Research Area.
Academic freedom and the independence of research are among Europe’s greatest values. In her speech, von der Leyen stressed that Europe is—and will remain—a global hub for science, academic freedom, and research excellence, and she invited researchers to “Choose Europe” as their professional home.
Also attending the conference were Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné; Executive Vice-President for Social Rights, Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu; and Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva. Their presence further underlined the vital role of science and innovation in strengthening Europe’s global competitiveness.
During the conference, the Commission announced a new €500 million funding package for 2025–2027 aimed at attracting world-class researchers. The initiative also includes legal safeguards for research freedom and strengthened support for the European Research Council. In addition, President Macron announced France’s contribution of €100 million to enhance the capacity of research institutions and to support the recruitment of international scientific talent.
EU leaders highlighted Europe’s openness to global talent, referring to recent U.S. government decisions that limit funding for research related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These restrictions have raised concern within the international scientific community about potential threats to academic freedom.
The event also brought together representatives of other higher education and research institutions, including Riga Technical University Rector Tālis Juhna and representatives from the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. Both universities are LBTU’s partners in the “ChallengeEU” alliance, which promotes innovation and international cooperation within the European higher education area.
In conclusion, the conference underscored the need for stronger links between science and business, reduced bureaucratic barriers, and increased investment in research and development to 3% of GDP by 2030. These steps are part of a broader strategy to secure Europe’s position as a global innovation leader.