Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva chaired an Implementation Dialogue on attracting and retaining research talent in Europe. The event brought together around 30 stakeholders from universities, research institutions, industry, trade unions as well as student and researcher associations.
The discussion focused on two main themes: making Europe the destination of choice for research talent, and preparing research careers for the future economy and society. Researchers play a central role in Europe's competitiveness. Their knowledge, talent and ideas are the foundation for innovation, resilience and the EU’s long-term prosperity.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said:
“The EU now counts more than 2.2 million researchers, over 700,000 more than a decade ago. We have strong tools to attract and support them. Now, we need to hear directly from researchers themselves — what is working, what is not, and what we need to do better.”
Commissioner Zaharieva and participants discussed:
- how existing tools and initiatives, including, among others, EURAXESS, and the ERA Policy Agenda 2025 to 2027, are shaping the daily experience of researchers and employers
- where further improvements are needed
- emerging challenges linked to new technologies such as artificial intelligence
- how career systems can better recognise mobility and experience across sectors and countries
The dialogue is closely linked to the wider Choose Europe for Science initiative, which combines EU and national funding and non-funding measures to make Europe a leading destination for scientific careers. Since its first support package was adopted in May 2025, funding linked to the initiative has grown to almost EUR 1 billion. It covers measures such as the MSCA Choose Europe for Science pilot, ERC+ grants, ERA Chairs, and support for research infrastructures. More than 100 complementary initiatives have also been put forward by Member States and regions as part of a joint Team Europe effort.
The feedback gathered today will feed into the implementation of ongoing initiatives, including the ERA Talent Platform and the forthcoming European Research Area Act, as well as future work under the Choose Europe initiative.
The outcome of the dialogue will be summarised and made public, in line with the Commission's commitment to open and transparent policymaking.