Have your say on Europe’s framework for science diplomacy

The Commission has launched a call for evidence to inform the upcoming Council Recommendation on Science Diplomacy. The community is invited to share their views by 3 November via the Commission's ‘Have Your Say’ portal.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said:

“Research and innovation are not only drivers of competitiveness, they are also tools of diplomacy. By putting science at the service of our foreign policy, Europe can strengthen its security, deepen partnerships and promote our values worldwide. I invite scientists, policymakers, businesses and citizens to share their views and make this a reality.”

Why science diplomacy matters

As research and innovation increasingly translate into power and geopolitical influence, the EU and its Member States must become more strategic and effective in using science diplomacy as part of the diplomatic toolbox. 

This will allow the EU to defend its interests and reduce its vulnerabilities, while acting as a reliable global partner. Making proper use of science diplomacy will enable the EU to promote its values and principles to serve the global public good more effectively.

The consultation follows the expert report A European Framework for Science Diplomacy. 

Background

The EU evolves in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, with global competitors using science diplomacy not just as a form of soft power, but also to exert scientific-technological and geopolitical dominance. Meanwhile, the ongoing triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution require stronger global cooperation, while there is an urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Against this backdrop, science diplomacy is emerging as a key instrument in leveraging the EU’s power and partnerships for a global Europe. 

Since the Council in its Conclusions on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation (2021) highlighted the importance of integrating the Global Approach into the EU’s external action and called on the Commission and the European External Action Service to develop a European science diplomacy agenda, the need to link research and innovation (R&I) policy and foreign and security policy has become ever more evident and pressing.

The recent report on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe led by Manuel Heitor pointed out that countries can be partners, competitors or systemic rivals at the same time, and the same country could be all of these in different domains of R&I. This requires a holistic and balanced approach, which can be delivered through the envisaged Council recommendation.

At their meeting in July 2023, EU research ministers expressed their support for the development of a European framework for science diplomacy. In 2024, the Commission tasked 130 science and diplomacy experts from across the EU and beyond to develop relevant recommendations, leading to the publication in February 2025 of the expert report A European Framework for Science Diplomacy – Recommendations of the EU Science Diplomacy Working Groups.

More information

European Framework for Science Diplomacy

Science diplomacy in International cooperation

Press contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation