The Young Academy of Sweden has joined forces with the Young Academies of Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark to urge the leaders of the European Union to invest more, not less, in science in their upcoming budget (see go.nature.com/ymjole). Short-term savings would have long-term costs and weaken Europe's future scientific standing.

The academies' members are especially concerned that cuts could target the European Research Council (ERC), which has emerged as a funding model for junior researchers in high-profile international science.

The ERC provides these young scientists with the funding to develop their own lines of research, rather than relying on the patronage of a senior colleague. This strategy encourages promising scientists to stay in Europe and others to return from abroad. It also attracts research talent from around the world.