"Academic freedom and the freedom of scientific research are not tools " (C. Ehler)

"We must continue to assert that academic freedom and the freedom of scientific research are not tools. They are not merely instruments to complete the European Research Area. They are fundamental to our democracy and way of life—and they are once again under threat", says Christian Ehler, German MEP from EPP and former rapporteur for Horizon Europe, on 20/05/2025.

He speaks at The Guild Lecture on Academic Freedom: The New Geopolitics of Academic Freedom, co-organised with Université PSL and Institut Curie. It was the first edition of the event, which will be held annually from now on.

"There is a felt tension between European competitiveness and academic freedom. It is clear in the European Parliament’s Annual Academic Freedom Monitor, which shows how many in academia are concerned about the growing role of the private sector in funding science. When politicians emphasise research for economic gain, academics rightly feel alarmed", he says.

Manuel Aleixo, member of the cabinet of the Commissioner for R&I and Start-ups, Ekaterina Zaharieva, indicates at the event: "The Commission has…