As we consider politicization of science in many environment-related fields, EU scientists are trying to get more control of government funded research there through a petition drive. "'Farmers organize and lobby in Brussels,' [Bart de Strooper, a Belgian scientist] said. 'Businesses organize; labor unions organize. They are in Brussels and can really push for what they want. Scientists need to do the same.'" See the report in The Scientist (with lots of links).