Massive brain drain from EU universities is an existential threat to Europe’s future
10.3.2025
Question for written answer E-001033/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikos Pappas (The Left)
The European Union is facing a growing brain drain crisis, with the best young scientists, researchers and academics leaving Europe for countries such as the USA, Canada and China. This exodus undermines the EU’s strategic autonomy and its ability to innovate and compete globally.
Despite investments through Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, the reality is that funding is not enough to make European universities competitive alongside the world’s top institutions. Low salaries, a lack of cutting-edge research opportunities and cumbersome bureaucratic procedures discourage young scientists from staying or returning to Europe.
Given that this trend poses a serious threat to the EU’s knowledge economy and its leadership in key areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology and climate innovation:
- 1.Does the Commission recognise brain drain from EU universities as a critical issue for the future of the Union?
- 2.How does the Commission intend to incorporate into the upcoming review of Horizon Europe mechanisms that will enhance the attraction and retention of scientific talent in Europe, preventing the brain drain of young researchers to third countries?
- 3.Is the Commission considering the creation of specific funds or targeted programmes to support the European academic community?
Submitted: 10.3.2025