Ballot boxing

The next MEPs need R&I—it’s time to ensure they know it

This time next month, voters will head to the polls to elect a new European Parliament. With the next MEPs due to play a significant role in the creation of the EU’s upcoming long-term spending plan—to kick in from 2028—researchers have a lot staked on the outcome.

This week, the presidents of 28 science academies around the EU issued a joint statement to candidates, underscoring the value of research and innovation to the bloc and stressing that this “should not be taken for granted”. While sector representatives jostling for attention ahead of a vote is par for the course, the choice of language from these R&I leaders ought to give politicians particular pause.