Photo : Gonzalo Fuentes/AP Photo
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
FRANCE
To host the science conference with the EU to invite American scientists
On 05 May, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and EU President Ursula von der Leyen are hosting a Paris Conference, welcoming researchers, especially from the US, after President Donald Trump’s new policies. EU commissioners, scientists, and research ministers are to have a discussion, focusing mostly on financial incentives, at the gathering. Sorbonne University in Paris is to host the conference, which is titled ‘Choose Europe for Science’. France and the EU are targeting researchers in several sectors, which include health, climate, biodiversity, AI, and space. France has released its plans regarding the funding program, and help meet the costs of the universities. (“France and EU host 'Choose Europe for science' conference to lure US scientists,” Le Monde, 05 May 2025)
FINLAND
Government grants EUR 28 million to the youth outreach programmes
On 03 May, the Finland’s government allocated more than EUR 28 million to the youth outreach workshop programmes, which support the youth and prevent social exclusion. The grants are allocated for the youth workers, trainers, and other operational expenses for workshops. Every year the programme helps over 33,000 people aged between 15-28 years. The programme provides them with services in education and provides them with employment pathways. The workshops help train and guide the children to improve their survival skills, encourage independence, and enable social participation. The funding is the national contribution to reduce the number of young people who are unemployed or illiterate. (“Over €28 million granted to tackle youth exclusion in Finland,” Helsinki Times, 03 May 2025)
FRANCE
French rail company to strike calling for higher wages and work schedule
On 04 May, French national rail company has warned of severe traffic as they begin the strike in the coming week. The traffic will be heavy on the RER commuter rail lines B and C. Also, traffic is to be seen in the Transilien commuter lines. RER A will not extend much traffic. Two unions have called for a strike by personnel, demanding higher wages and better scheduling. The unions include CGT Cheminots and SUD Rail. According to them, the workers' schedules are often changed at the last minute, and they have also called for no work during the public holidays. (“French rail strikes: Traffic will be 'strongly disrupted' in Paris region commuter trains on Monday,” Le Monde, 04 May 2025)
Macron to host Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss demands amid ongoing violence
On 06 May, Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa is to visit France, and have a meet with President Emmanuel Macron. Both France and Syria look forward to build stronger ties, despite the violence in Syria. President Emmanuel Macron is willing to support the construction of new Syria, ensure stability and sovereignty in Syria. In the meeting, Macron will discuss his demands from the Syrian government, which include stabilisation in Syria and Lebanon, and to fight against terrorism. (“Macron to host Syria's al-Sharaa in new leader's first European visit,” France 24, 06 May 2025)
France President invites all scientists to Europe after fund cutting by US President
On 05 May, France’s President Emmanuel Macron has invited scientists from all over the world, to Europe after US President Donald Trump cut off all funding for research. Macron called this particular move a mistake and the fact that, the foundation of the wealth in the US came from science, research and innovation. He along with the EU President Ursula von der Leyen, are encouraging scientists to choose Europe. Europe is striving for academic freedom, and currently there are several threats upon them. Academic freedom must be voted into the law, because there are several threats upon them. To close the gap and save their research/jobs, Europe would be a better option for the Americans, and they will have plenty of funding to carry on with their work. (“Macron calls US science policy under Trump a mistake,” France 24, 05 May 2025)
GERMANY
Friedrich Merz loses the first round of voting to become the chancellor
On 06 May, Friedrich Merz's in a bid to become the chancellor, has failed in the first round of voting, which took place in the parliament, where he lost by six votes. The lower house of the parliament, or the Bundestag, has only 14 days to elect Merz or find another candidate to take up the chancellorship, provided they have an outright majority. According to International Affairs Commentator, Oliver Farry, it will be a setback for Merz, and if he wants to be the chancellor, he must do a bit of negotiating to get the votes. Despite the projects that Merz had planned for the next few years, it would not have completely favoured the German politics. The fact remains that Merz wanted to sideline the far-right Alternative for Germany. Furthermore, since SPD returns to the cabinet, they will have a strong influence in this term, with Lars Klingbeil becoming the vice chancellor and finance minister. (“Merz fails to be elected chancellor by German parliament,” France 24, 06 May 2025)
HUNGARY
Orban party focuses on economic recovery by 2026 in the latest budget
On 05 May, according to the Fiscal Council, the budget plans made by the government for the 2026 election year can pose a huge risk to the economic growth assumptions that prove to be optimistic. Prime Minister Victor Orban’s government achieved a growth of 4.1 per cent where whereas the economic consensus predicts 3.2 per cent, and the International Monetary Fund predicts it to be around 2.6 per cent. Orban focuses on economic recovery, so much so that it secures his seat for another term in the upcoming elections. The government aims to reduce the budget deficit by 3.7 per cent of the GDP. (Gergely Szakacs, “Hungary's election-year 2026 budget hinges on risky growth projection, fiscal watchdog says,” Reuters, 05 May 2025)