America News Agency

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver speeches on Monday morning at Sorbonne University in Paris during a conference attended by European university leaders and researchers. The leaders are expected to announce potential incentives and protections for researchers wishing to move to Europe.

The event, bringing together European academics and EU commissioners, is seen as a new initiative to open Europe's doors to American academics and researchers who feel threatened following federal funding cuts to universities and research institutions, as well as diversity policies in the US.

Macron's office stated that this step comes at a time when "academic freedoms are facing a series of threats" and when Europe is "an attractive continent."

France is particularly eager to attract scientists working in health (especially infectious diseases), climate research, and artificial intelligence.

Monday's event follows a call from 13 European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, urging the European Commission to act swiftly to attract academic talent.