The EU falls short of the research funding levels called for and is at a clear disadvantage compared to South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
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NewsTranscript
00:00 In view of the European elections and for the first time, European scientists unite
00:06 to demand more investment in science.
00:10 The voices of the 27 EU academies of science have been heard in Brussels asking for more
00:16 research and more education.
00:19 Current challenges could benefit from a strong, open and free scientific research.
00:26 I can understand that governments are pressed by the different emergencies, but we have
00:31 to go beyond the emergencies and to say that we need to gather the science, that we have
00:40 to invest at least the 3% of GDP in research and education is the way to say that we cannot
00:49 simply follow the emergencies, but we work together to build a solid Europe that is necessary
00:59 for a real uncertain world.
01:03 The EU is far from reaching the 3% GDP expenditure target and stands now at 2.27%.
01:10 Currently there are big differences between member states ranging from Belgium with a
01:14 3.43% to the six EU countries that stand less than 1%.
01:19 The lowest one, Romania, with only 0.47%.
01:23 But the EU falls short when comparing it to other countries.
01:26 South Korea, the United States, Japan and China are above it, putting the continent
01:31 in a big disadvantage.
01:34 Increasing competence between countries and deeper challenges do not leave the EU in a
01:38 good position, according to the president of the Dutch Academy.
01:43 We probably need science more than ever because of the complexity of the challenges that face
01:47 us.
01:48 Science is always about providing knowledge, providing scenarios.
01:54 The EPP and the Left are the only two parties who call for an increase in the GDP allocated
01:59 to research and development, even if many others mention the need to increase the role
02:03 of science.
02:04 Thank you.
02:09 (whooshing)