site.btaScience and Academic Freedom Are Under Threat Worldwide, Says EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva

"Science and academic freedom around the world are under threat—we see troubling news every day," said European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva at a press conference following a meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council. "We are determined to make Europe the best place for researchers," she added.

Zaharieva stated that the EU would reduce bureaucratic hurdles for foreign scientists who wish to work in Europe. “We want scientists and researchers to choose Europe,” the Commissioner emphasized.

She pointed out that the EU goal of spending three percent of GDP on science was adopted back in 2002, with the intention of reaching it by 2010. According to her, only five EU countries have achieved this target so far, while five others spend less than one percent of their GDP on science. The EU is close to reaching the three percent benchmark, Zaharieva explained, but the main shortfall remains in private sector funding.

On Friday, Zaharieva presented to the EU Council data on scientific projects supported by the EU budget. According to documents submitted by the European Commission, Bulgaria is participating in two projects—one for training young researchers in computer science and artificial intelligence, and another in the field of mathematics.