Fifteen states have failed to implement Researchers' Visa directive

Only Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Austria, Portugal and Romania have notified the Commission of full implementation of the directive to create the so called Researcher’s Visa, while France, Latvia, Lithuania and the Slovak Republic said they have implemented parts of the directive.

European Commission Vice-President Franco Frattini urged the 15 states to transpose the directive into law, saying, “Political commitment by these member states to better attract and retain high-quality research talent in Europe has not yet been mirrored by a concrete engagement in setting up the necessary rules and procedures coherent with this goal.”

European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potočnik called on member states to honour their commitment: “If Europe is to be a world leader in science, then it must be open to the world. The current system can be off-putting for scientists from abroad who want to work with their European counterparts. These changes are therefore essential for the development of the European Research Area.”

The directive is seen by the Commission as a key step in increasing the attractiveness of the European Research Area, one of the cornerstones of the Lisbon Strategy to make Europe the most competitive and dynamic knowledge economy in the world. It is meant to send a signal that Europe encourages “brain circulation” in an increasingly international scientific world and supports the greater mobility of ideas.