Proposal for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on a European Union framework for science diplomacy
Date: 2026-02-27
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Subjects: EU research policy, academic freedom, foreign policy, geopolitics, international cooperation, research integrity, scientific cooperation, strategic autonomy, third country, twin transition

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   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 27.2.2026  COM(2026) 97 final 2026/0060 (NLE)  Proposal for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on a European Union framework for science diplomacy  
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM  

1. 

CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL 

Reasons for and objectives of the proposal 

In an age of geostrategic rivalries and growing global competition in science and technology, 
in  particular  with  respect  to  disruptive  technologies,  research  and  innovation  (R&I)  has 
become  a  critical  asset,  translating  into  power,  competitiveness  and  geopolitical  influence. 
This is clearly reflected in the Letta1, Draghi2, Heitor3 and Niinistö4 reports. As a result, R&I 
is  increasingly  relevant  for  diplomacy,  with  science  diplomacy  emerging  as  an  important 
policy instrument in the pursuit of the strategic interests of the European Union (‘the Union’). 

Science  diplomacy  fosters  dialogue  with  the  Union’s  friends  and  partners,  as  well  as  its 
adversaries  if  necessary,  and  can  support  a  strong  and  independent  Union  through  the 
deployment  of  the  Union’s  R&I  assets.  Through  initiatives  such  as  ‘Choose  Europe  for 
Science’5 and the EU’s association policy to the Horizon Europe programme, the Union has 
taken important  steps in  capitalising on its  R&I  strengths to  build a strong and independent 
Europe,  while  implementing  the  necessary  safeguards  in  terms  of  economic  and  research 
security6.  

The  increasing  importance  of  science  diplomacy  is  demonstrated  by  the  fact  that  
20  Member  States  have  created  the  position  of  chief  science  adviser  or  science/tech 
diplomacy  envoy  and/or  related  units  in  their  ministries  of  foreign  affairs7,  many  of  these 
posts  were  created  in  the  past  three  years.  Several  Member  States  have  developed  national 
science  and/or  tech  diplomacy  strategies8,  or  are  currently  developing  such  strategies9, 
underscoring  the  need  for  a  coherent  Union  approach  on  the  matter.  A  first  step  in  this 
direction was the establishment of the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance in 202110.   

Many  countries  and  regional  organisations  around  the  world  are  strategically  investing  in 
science  diplomacy11.  In  2025,  the  United  Nations  Educational,  Scientific  and  Cultural 
Organisation (UNESCO) hosted the first Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy 
and  announced  the  launch  of  a  global  framework  for  science  diplomacy12.  It  is  therefore 

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Enrico Letta, Much more than a market – Speed, Security, Solidarity. Empowering the Single Market to 
deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU Citizens, 2024 (link). 
European  Commission:  European  Political  Strategy  Centre, The  future  of  European  competitiveness. 
Part A, A competitiveness strategy for Europe, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025 (link). 
European  Commission:  Directorate-General  for  Research  and  Innovation, Align,  act,  accelerate  – 
Research,  technology  and  innovation  to  boost  European  competitiveness,  Publications  Office  of  the 
European Union, 2024 (link). 
Sauli  Niinistö,  Safer  together:  Strengthening  Europe’s  Civilian  and  Military  Preparedness  and 
Readiness, 2024 (link).  
Choose Europe for Science (link). 
Commission  communication  on  the  European  economic  security  strategy,  JOIN(2023)  20  final  of 
20.6.2023 (link), Council recommendation on enhancing research security, C/2024/3510 of 23.5.2024 
(link),  Joint  Communication  on  strenghtening  EU  Economic  Security,  (JOIN(2025)  977  final  of 
3.12.2025 (link). 
Examples  include  Austria,  Czechia,  Denmark,  Estonia,  France,  Germany,  Hungary,  Italy,  Lithuania, 
The Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. 
Examples include Denmark, France, Germany and Spain. 
Examples include Lithuania and Romania. 
EU Science Diplomacy Alliance (link).  
Examples  include  Canada,  China,  Colombia,  Costa  Rica,  India,  Japan,  Malaysia,  Pakistan,  Panama, 
Rwanda, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, African Union and ASEAN. 
UNESCO Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy (link). 

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necessary  that  the  Union  adopts  its  own  coordinated  framework  for  science  diplomacy  to 
ensure leadership in this rapidly evolving field. The proposal for a Council recommendation 
presents the vision on the contours of such a framework. 

The  main  objective  of  this  Council  recommendation  is  to  provide  a  shared  vision,  common 
narrative and pragmatic code of conduct in the field of science diplomacy, notably in support 
of:  

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defending  the  Union’s  democratic  values,  strategic  interests  and  technological  and 
data sovereignty,  

strengthening the Union’s competitive position as one of the leading global science 
and technology actors,  

maximising the deployment of the Union’s R&I potential for the pursuit of peace and 
a rules-based international order, and  

reinforcing  the  Union’s  commitment  to  managing  global  goods  and  commons 
sustainably,  fighting  the  triple  planetary  crisis  of  climate  change,  biodiversity  loss 
and  pollution,  and  contributing  to  the  achievement  of  the  United  Nations  2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development13 and the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Another objective is to foster coherence and optimise resources, both at Union and Member 
State  level.  To  achieve  this,  the  recommendation  provides  for  Union  coordination  and 
guidance to Member States and relevant stakeholders on strategic, operational, and enabling 
actions, taking their specific situations into account.  

The proposed Council  recommendation  also  represents a significant  step  towards advancing 
and fulfilling the international dimension of the European Research Area (ERA).  

The recommendation will allow for flexibility in terms of implementation and adaptability to 
rapidly changing geopolitical circumstances with science implications. 

Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area  
The Global Approach to Research and Innovation adopted by the Commission in May 202114 
stipulates that  ‘a  stronger  focus on  science  and technology in the EU’s  foreign and security 
policies in terms of ‘Science Diplomacy’ would help the EU to project soft power and pursue 
its economic interests and values more effectively, meeting demand and interest from partner 
countries and playing to the EU’s strengths as a research and innovation powerhouse.’ In its 
conclusions  on  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and  Innovation  adopted  in  September 
202115, the Council of the EU 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.  

At the informal meeting of the Competitiveness Council (Research) in July 2023, EU research 
ministers  underlined  the  importance  of  Union  science  diplomacy  action  and  supported  the 
development of an ambitious European Union framework for science diplomacy. In addition, 
the  ERA  Forum  Subgroup  on  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and  Innovation  issued  an 

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United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (link). 
Commission communication on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, COM(2021)252 final 
of 18.5.2021 (link).  
Council  conclusions  on  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and  Innovation,  12301/21  RECH  425  of 
28.9.2021 (link). 

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opinion  paper  in  2025,  in  which  it  expressed  its  support  for  the  development  of  a  Council 
recommendation16. 

The  proposed  European  Union  framework  for  science  diplomacy  is  included  as  a  specific 
outcome in the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027, adopted by the Council in May 202517. It is 
underpinned  by  already  existing  Union  science  diplomacy-related  instruments,  such  as  the 
possibility  for  non-EU  countries  to  participate  in  the  activities  of  the  Horizon  Europe 
programme, including as associated countries18.  

Consistency with other Union policies 

Article  21(3)  of  the  Treaty  on  the  European  Union  (TEU)  requires  that  the  Union  ensure 
consistency between the different areas of its external action and between these and its other 
policies.  Consistency  in  the  sense  of  Article  21(3)  of  the  TEU  refers  to  the  interlinkages 
between  Union  policies  insofar  as  they  are  relevant  to  the  Union’s  external  relations.  This 
proposal  recognises  the  interconnections  between  the  common  foreign  and  security  policy 
(CFSP) and Union R&I policies. These include both the direct use of science to support the 
CFSP, for example  by  providing  scientific  evidence to underpin foreign  and security policy 
choices and the indirect use of science for diplomacy, for example by associating a strategic 
partner country to Horizon Europe or deploying a science attaché to the EU delegation in that 
country as part of a broader engagement strategy. Likewise, the CFSP impacts R&I policies, 
both  directly,  e.g.  by  imposing  restrictions  on  engagement  with  certain  partners,  and 
indirectly, e.g. by lending diplomatic support to enable the establishment of an international 
research  infrastructure  or  of  an  international  science-policy  engagement  body.  The  proposal 
pursues  the  objective  of  coherence  by  pointing  to  those  interlinkages  and  making  concrete 
recommendations through strategic, operational and enabling actions.   

Currently  there  is  no  single  Union  policy  document  targeting  science  diplomacy  in  a 
comprehensive manner, despite an increasing number of policy documents referring implicitly 
or explicitly to the role of science, technology and innovation in foreign and security policy19. 

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Opinion paper of the ERA Forum Subgroup on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation (link).  
Council  recommendation  on  the  European  Research  Area Policy  Agenda  2025-2027,  C/2025/3593  of 
24.6.2025 (link). 
See Articles 16, 22 and 23 of the Horizon Europe Regulation (link).  
In  addition  to  the  Commission  communication  on  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and  Innovation, 
COM(2021) 252 final of 18.5.2021 (link) and the related Council conclusions, 12301/21 RECH 425 of 
28.9.2021  (link),  this  includes  the  Council  conclusions  on  climate  and  energy  diplomacy,  5263/21  of 
25.1.2021  (link);  Joint  communication  on  strengthening  the  EU’s  contribution  to  rules-based 
multilateralism,  JOIN(2021)  3  final  of  17.2.2021  (link);  Joint  communication  on  a  stronger  EU 
engagement  for  a  peaceful,  sustainable  and  prosperous  Arctic,  JOIN(2021)  27  final  of  13.10.2021 
(link);  Council  conclusions  on  water  in  the  EU’s  external  action,  14108/21  of  19.11.2021  (link); 
Commission communication on a European strategy for universities, COM(2022) 16 final of 18.1.2022 
(link);  Council’s  Strategic  Compass  for  Security  and  Defence,  7371/22  of  21.3.2022  (link);  Council 
conclusions on principles and values for international cooperation in research and innovation, 10125/22 
of  10.6.2022  (link);  Council  conclusions  on  research  infrastructures,  15429/22  of  2.12.2022  (link); 
Council conclusions on EU digital diplomacy, 11406/22 of 18.7.2022 (link) and 11088/23 of 26.6.2023 
(link);  Council  conclusions  on  strengthening  the  role  and  impact  of  research  and  innovation  in  the 
policymaking  process  in  the  Union,  16450/23  of  8.12.2023  (link);  Council  conclusions  on  green 
diplomacy,  7865/24  of  18.3.2024  (link);  Commission  communication  on  a  Competitiveness  Compass 
for  the  EU,  COM(2025)  30  final  of  29.1.2025  (link);  Joint  communication  on  the  European  Union's 
strategic  approach  to  the  Black  Sea  region,  JOIN(2025)  135  final  of  28.5.2025  (link);  Joint 
communication on an International Digital Strategy for the European Union, JOIN(2025) 140 final of 
5.6.2025  (link)  and  the  related  Council  conclusions,  15315/1/25  REV1  of  20.11.2025  (link);  Joint 
communication  on  the  European  Ocean  Pact,  COM/2025/281  final  of  5.6.2025  (link);  Commission 
communication  on  a  European  strategy  on  research  and  technology  infrastructures,  COM(2025)  497 

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Science  plays  a  key  role  in  underpinning  a  large  number  of  sectoral  diplomacies20  which 
would  benefit  from  a  coherent  approach  to  science  diplomacy.  For  instance,  while  the 
International  Digital  Strategy  and  the  instruments  contained  therein  remains  the  responsible 
framework for artificial intelligence in relations with third countries, including for AI research 
related  aspects,  a  European  Union  framework  for  science  diplomacy  will  reinforce  Union 
action in this field. 

The  proposal  is  also  consistent  with  the  Global  Gateway  strategy,  which  has  education  and 
research  as  one  of  its  constituting  pillars,  and  is  aligned  with  the  Neighbourhood, 
Development  and  International Cooperation  Instrument (NDICI).  It is  worth  pointing  out  in 
this  context  that  no  country  has  joined  the  EU  in  the  past  30  years,  without  having  been 
associated to the R&I framework programmes beforehand. 

Complementing  the  Council  recommendation  on  enhancing  research  security  adopted  in 
202421, the  proposed Council recommendation on  a European  Union framework  for  science 
diplomacy  contributes  also  to  the  European  economic  security  strategy22  and  the  Joint 
Communication  ‘Strengthening  EU  Economic  Security’23  by  promoting  the  Union’s 
competitiveness and supporting partnerships with likeminded countries. 

2. 

LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY 

Legal basis 

The initiative falls under the ‘research and technological development’ policy area, where the 
Union and its Members States share competences in line with Article 4(3) of the Treaty on the 
Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). The proposed Council recommendation is based 
on Article 182(5) in conjunction with Article 292 of the TFEU.  

Article 182(5) of the TFEU opens up the possibility of complementing the activities planned 
in  the  multiannual  framework  programme  by  allowing  the  European  Parliament  and  the 
Council, acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure and after consulting the 
Economic and Social Committee, to decide on the necessary measures for implementing the 
European Research Area.  

Article 292 of the TFEU provides the legal basis for the Council to adopt recommendations 
based on a proposal from the Commission.  

The  initiative  does  not  propose  any  extension  of  EU  regulatory  power  or  binding 
commitments on Member States. It is for the Member States to decide, based on their national 
circumstances, how they implement this Council recommendation.  

Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)  

The  present  proposal  conforms  with  the  principle  of  subsidiarity  as  provided  for  in  Article 
5(3) of the TEU. 

final/2  of  30.9.2025  (link);  Commission  communication  on  the  Apply  AI  Strategy,  COM(2025)  723 
final of 8.10.2025 (link); Commission communication on a European strategy for artificial intelligence 
in  science,  COM(2025)  724  final  of  8.10.2025  (link);  Joint  communication  on  the  Pact  for  the 
Mediterranean, JOIN(2025) 26 final of 16.10.2025 (link). 
Such as climate, green, water, ocean, polar, space, digital, energy and health diplomacy. 
Council  recommendation  of  23  May  2024  on  enhancing  research  security  (OJ  C,  C/2024/3510, 
30.5.2024) (link). 
Joint  communication  on  European  Economic  Security  Strategy,  JOIN(2023)  20  final  of  20.6.2023 
(link). 
Joint communication on strengthening EU economic security, JOIN(2025) 977 final of 3.12.2025 (link). 

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In fact, subsidiarity is a precondition for the present proposal, given the shared competences 
between the Union and Member States in the area of research and innovation policy, as well 
as the competence of Member States in foreign and security policy, which needs to be fully 
respected.  

As  national  governments  develop  their  own  foreign  and  security  policy,  they  are  also  best 
placed  to  engage  with  universities  and  other  higher  education  institutions,  research-
performing organisations and research funders.  

Given the increasing frequence of foreign interference and its potential impact on economic 
and research security, EU-level cooperation and coordination is needed to ensure the proper 
functioning of the European Research Area and to reduce disparities between Member States 
in the use of science diplomacy.  

Several  Member  States  have  adopted  national  science  diplomacy  strategies  without  formal 
Union coordination, while others are still at an early stage of science diplomacy engagement. 
The  proposed  Council  recommendation  will  provide  a  coherent  framework,  allowing  for  an 
optimisation of resources without being too prescriptive. 

The proposal  aims  to  ensure ownership and  buy-in  by the Member States, enabling them to 
coordinate their science diplomacy activities at Union level. At the same time, the choice of a 
Council recommendation ensures a softer approach, in line with the shared comptences in the 
R&I domain. 

Proportionality 

The present proposal conforms with the principle of proportionality as provided for in Article 
5(4) of the TEU. Neither the content nor the form of the proposed Council recommendation 
exceeds what is necessary to achieve the objective of a shared vision, common narrative and 
pragmatic code of conduct across the Union in the area of science diplomacy. 

Choice of instrument 

Requested  by  the  Member  States,  the  proposed  Council  recommendation  provides  guidance 
on  strategic,  operational  and  enabling  actions  in  science  diplomacy.  The  choice  of  the 
instrument  ensures  that  all  Member  States  are  actively  involved  and  committed  at  political 
level. 

A Council recommendation as the instrument of choice in this area is particularly suited, as it 
allows  for  sufficient  flexibility  within  the  framework  it  sets  out,  considering  that  Member 
States depart from different starting points with respect to their use of science diplomacy as a 
policy instrument.  

3. 

RESULTS OF EX POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER 
CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS 

Ex post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation 

Not applicable. 

Stakeholder consultations 

The proposed Council recommendation builds on the expert report ‘A European Framework 
for Science Diplomacy – Recommendations of the EU Science Diplomacy Working Groups’, 
which  was  published  by  the  Commission  in  February  2025,  being  the  result  of  a  year-long 

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consultation process that involved 130 science and diplomacy experts from across the EU and 
beyond24.  

The development of the proposal was also informed by a call for evidence, which was open 
for  public  feedback  on  the  ‘Have  your  say’  webpage  from  6  October  to  3  November  2025. 
The  Commission  received  50  contributions,  including  from  major  players  in  the  European 
R&I landscape25.  

The main results of the call for evidence can be summarised as follows: 

to 

Respondents overwhelmingly supported the idea of a Council recommendation on a European 
Union  framework  for  science  diplomacy.  According 
their  responses,  such  a 
recommendation should provide Union coordination and guidance to Member States, but also 
to  universities,  research-performing  organisations,  research  infrastructures  and  funding 
agencies.  It  should  help  to  foster  coherence  and  optimise  resources,  both  at  Union  and 
Member  State  level.  It  should  not  add  bureaucracy  or  create  new  institutions  but  rather 
provide a shared vision, a basis for a common narrative and a code of conduct, while allowing 
flexibility for Member States. The framework needs to be dynamic and adaptable to changing 
geopolitical circumstances and build on lessons learned from past experiences. It was stressed 
that  the  breaking  of  diplomatic  relations  should  not  automatically  lead  to  the  breaking  of 
scientific  relations.  Respondents  also  mentioned  the  importance  of  ‘intra-EU’  science 
diplomacy  and  enlargement  aspects.  It  was  suggested  that  Member  States  develop  science 
diplomacy roadmaps; actions should be monitored and reviewed. Major challenges that were 
identified  include  the  complexity  of  the  European  science  diplomacy  landscape,  the 
competence  of  Member  States  in  foreign  and  security  policy  and  the  existing  “science 
diplomacy patchwork” in the EU. 

Particular  support  was  expressed  for  using  science  diplomacy  to  promote  values  like 
academic freedom and freedom of scientific research, open science/open access and research 
integrity;  foster  peace  and  multilateralism;  help  build  trust  including  with  non-likeminded 
countries;  and  support  competitiveness  and  effectiveness  of  European  leadership  in 
standardisation at global level. Respondents  also stated the need to balance competition and 
cooperation  as  well  as  openness  and  restrictedness  (linked  to  research  security);  identify 
thematic priorities for science diplomacy with preference for high impact domains and areas 
(for example, data sovereignty, Ocean, Mediterranean); use science diplomacy to engage with 
low-income  countries  including  by  tackling  asymmetries  in  R&I  and  advancing  the 
Sustainable  Development  Goals;  foster  science  for  policy,  evidence-informed  policymaking 
and  technology  foresight,  capitalising  on  artificial  intelligence  (AI)  tools;  engage  with 
international organisations and non-state actors like business (including scientific publishers) 
and philanthropy; create science diplomacy platforms; foster science diplomacy training and 
capacity-building  (for example by training  researchers involved in  EU projects and science-
policy fellowships); open new career paths; provide funding opportunities for science diplo-
macy  (including  in  the  Horizon  Europe  programme);  fully  involve  the  social  sciences  and 
humanities;  strengthen  the  role  of  research  and  technology  infrastructures  in  science 
diplomacy;  engage  with  diaspora  and  alumni  networks  as  well  as  researchers  at  risk;  and 
strengthen R&I in embassies.  

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European  Commission:  Directorate-General  for  Research  and  Innovation, A  European  framework  for 
science  diplomacy  –  Recommendations  of  the  EU  Science  Diplomacy  Working  Groups,  Gjedssø 
Bertelsen,  R.(editor),  Bochereau,  L.(editor),  Chelioti,  E.(editor),  Dávid,  Á.(editor),  Gailiūtė-Janušonė, 
D.(editor),  Hartl,  M.(editor),  Liberatore,  A.(editor),  Mauduit,  J.-C.(editor),  Müller,  J.  M.(editor)  and 
Van Langenhove, L.(editor), Publications Office of the European Union, 2025 (link).  
Call for evidence on a European framework for science diplomacy (link). 

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In addition  to  the call for evidence, major stakeholders, such  as the EU Science Diplomacy 
Alliance and the  EU Ministries of Foreign  Affairs Science Diplomacy and Advice Network 
were consulted in a targeted manner.  

Collection and use of expertise 

In  addition  to  the  expert  report  mentioned  above  and  the  input  received  during  the 
consultation process, the proposal is underpinned by collected expertise, including: 

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the results of three Horizon 2020-funded science diplomacy projects (S4D4C26, EL-
CSID27 and InsSciDE28); 

a large number of science diplomacy publications and reports produced by an active 
community  of  scholars  and  practitioners  in  the  last  decade,  including:  Tools  for  an 
EU science diplomacy (2017)29, EU science diplomacy in a contested space of multi-
level governance: Ambitions, constraints and options for action (2020)30, Calling for 
a Systemic Change: Towards a European Union Science Diplomacy for Addressing 
Global  Challenges  (2021)31,  Leveraging  Science  Diplomacy  in  an  Era  of  Geo-
Economic  Rivalry:  Towards  a  European  strategy  (2022)32,  Strengthening  science 
diplomacy in and for Europe through Horizon Europe (2024)33, Science diplomacy in 
an era of disruption (2025)34; 

the  work  of  the  Science  Diplomacy  Task  Force  of  the  Council’s  former  Strategic 
Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC)35; 

the Opinion of the ERA Forum Subgroup on the Global Approach to  Research and 
Innovation (2025)36; 

the proceedings of the 1st and 2nd European Science Diplomacy Conferences, which 
took  place  in  December  2023  and  December  2025  respectively37;  and  dedicated 
science  diplomacy  meetings  and  workshops  with  stakeholders  inside  and  outside 
Europe. 

S4D4C (link).  
EL-CSID (link).  
InsSciDE (link).  
European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Institute of European Studies 
at  the  Vrije  Universiteit  Brussel  (IES-VUB)  and  United  Nations  University  Institute  on  Comparative 
Regional  Integration  Studies  (UNU-CRIS), Tools  for  an  EU  science  diplomacy,  Publications  Office, 
2017 (link).  
Rüffin,  N.,  ‘EU  science  diplomacy  in  a  contested  space  of  multi-level  governance:  Ambitions, 
constraints  and  options  for  action’,  in:  Research  Policy,  Volume  49,  Issue  1,  February  2020,  103842 
(link).  
Melchor, L., Elorza, A.  and Lacunza, I., ‘Calling for a Systemic Change: Towards a European Union 
Science Diplomacy for Addressing Global Challenges’, Version 2.0, S4D4C Policy Report, 2021 (link).  
Fägersten,  B.,  ‘Leveraging  Science  Diplomacy  in  an  Era  of  Geo-Economic  Rivalry:  Towards  a 
European strategy’, UI Report, 1/2022 (link).  
Van  Langenhove,  L.,  Shendrikova,  D.  and  Mays,  C.,  ‘Strengthening  science  diplomacy  in  and  for 
Europe through Horizon Europe’, European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance Policy Brief, February 
2024 (link).  
The  Royal  Society  and  American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of  Science  (editors),  ‘Science 
diplomacy in an era of disruption’, February 2025 (link).  
Strategic Forum for International S&T Cooperation (SFIC) (link).  
Opinion paper of the ERA Forum Subgroup on the Global Approach to R&I (link).   
European Science Diplomacy Conference (link).  

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Impact assessment 

An  impact  assessment  has  not  been  carried  out  given  the  non-binding  legal  nature  of  the 
proposed instrument and the fact that the proposed activities are complementary to Member 
States’ initiatives. 

The  impact  of  the  Council  recommendation  largely  depends  on  the  engagement  and  the 
readiness  of  Member  States  and  stakeholders  to  act.  The  fact  that  several  Member  States 
already have national science diplomacy strategies in place or are currently developing them, 
indicates that the Council recommendation will thrive on fertile ground.  

Provided that the Council adopts the proposal and Member States commit to implement  the 
proposed actions with the support of the stakeholders, the proposal would indeed help the EU 
to ‘project soft power and pursue its economic interests and values more effectively, meeting 
demand  and  interest  from  partner  countries  and  playing  to  the  EU’s  strengths  as  a  research 
and  innovation  powerhouse’,  as  stipulated  in  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and 
Innovation,  most  notably  by  facilitating  the  development  of  a  coherent  approach  to  science 
diplomacy by Member States. 

Regulatory fitness and simplification 

The proposal is not linked to the Commission’s REFIT legislative simplification programme. 
Nonetheless,  every  effort  is  made  to  make  efficient  use  of  scarce  resources,  including  by 
using existing ERA governance structures. A specific aim of the proposal is the optimisation 
of  resources,  for  example,  by  seeking  synergies  between  the  approximately  500  science, 
technology  and  innovation  counsellors  currently  deployed  in  EU  delegations  and  Member 
State embassies in non-EU countries. 

Fundamental rights 

A  key  objective  of  Union  science  diplomacy  action  is  to  promote  principles  and  values  in 
international  R&I  cooperation  worldwide,  such  as  academic  freedom  and  freedom  of 
scientific  research,  ethics  and  research  integrity,  diversity,  equality  and  inclusion,  open 
science  and  open  data,  and  evidence-informed  policymaking.  In  addition,  Union  science 
diplomacy aims at using R&I to strengthen peace and a rules-based international order as well 
as the protection of global public goods and commons. 

4. 

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS 

This proposal will be resource-neutral for the European External Action Service and will not 
require additional resources from the Union budget beyond and above what is already planned 
in  Horizon Europe and  other Union programmes such as  NDICI. While research  funding at 
Union and national level needs to remain focused on priority research areas, the measures in 
this  Council  recommendation  are  expected  to  mobilise  and  leverage  existing  sources  of 
funding at Union, national and sector level.  

5. 

OTHER ELEMENTS 

Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements 

The development of a European Union framework for science diplomacy is mentioned as an 
outcome  in  the  ERA  Policy  Agenda  2025-2027,  adopted  by  the  Council  in  May  2025.  To 
support Member States and stakeholders as they implement this Council recommendation, full 
use will be made of the existing ERA governance structures. In particular, the follow-up to the 
Council  recommendation  will  be  monitored  by  the  ERA  Forum  Subgroup  on  the  Global 

EN 

8 

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Approach to Research and Innovation. Commission reporting will rely on the already existing 
biennial reporting on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation.  

Explanatory documents (for directives) 

Not applicable. 

Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal 

After introducing the issue at stake and the political background of the proposal in the recitals, 
its  scope  is  explained.  The  first  aim  of  the  recommendation  is  to  lay  the  groundwork  for  a 
shared  vision,  common  narrative  and  pragmatic  code  of  conduct  in  the  field  of  science 
diplomacy, in support of: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

defending  the  Union’s  democratic  values,  strategic  interests  and  technological  and 
data sovereignty,  

strengthening the Union’s competitive position as one of the leading global science 
and technology actors,  

maximising the deployment of the Union’s R&I potential for the pursuit of peace and 
a rules-based international order, and  

reinforcing  the  Union’s  commitment  to  managing  global  goods  and  commons 
sustainably,  fighting  the  triple  planetary  crisis  of  climate  change,  biodiversity  loss 
and  pollution,  and  contributing  to  the  achievement  of  the  United  Nations  2030 
Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals.  

Definitions for the purposes of the recommendation of the terms ‘science’,  ‘diplomacy’ and 
‘science diplomacy’ are proposed. It is clarified that no part of the recommendation impinges 
on  the  competence  of  Member  States  in  foreign  and  security  policy  or  the  autonomy  of 
scientific institutions. This is followed by a paragraph setting out the principles and values on 
which Union science diplomacy should be based. 

The  second  objective  of  the  recommendation  is  to  foster  coherence  and  optimise  resources, 
both  at  Union  and  Member  State  level  in  the  area  of  science  diplomacy.  Accordingly,  the 
second  section  provides  recommendations  to  Member  States  on  strategic,  operational  and 
enabling actions taking their specific situations into account as well as a number of – already 
planned  –  supporting  actions  and  initiatives  of  the  Commission.  The  final  section  specifies 
how the follow-up to the recommendation is facilitated.  

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2026/0060 (NLE) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION 

on a European Union framework for science diplomacy 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  on  the  Functioning  of  the  European  Union,  and  in  particular 
Article 292, in conjunction with Article 182, paragraph 5 thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

Science is a global public good, expanding the frontiers of knowledge and developing 
solutions for the benefit of humankind through fundamental and applied research, both 
in the public and private sector.  

The  universal  language  of  science  has  the  ability  to  connect  and  inspire  people  and 
nations.  

Science has  always been a driver of European integration and contributes to shaping 
European identity based on shared principles and values. 

Science is a core element of the Union’s soft power and contributes to enhancing the 
Union’s relations with other nations, even when diplomatic relations are difficult. 

It is necessary to keep the international science system both open and secure. 

Research and innovation is at the heart of the Union’s competitiveness. 

Horizon Europe is the world’s largest multilateral research and innovation programme, 
being  open  for  participation  through  association  by  trusted  partner  countries  in  the 
Union’s  neighbourhood  and  beyond  as  well  as  for  the  participation  of  researchers 
worldwide. 
The  ‘Choose  Europe  for  Science’  initiative38  is  enhancing  the  attractiveness  of  the 
Union for researchers from all over the world, in particular through the grants of the 
European  Research  Council  (ERC)39  and  the  Marie  Skłodowska  Curie  Actions 
(MSCA)40.  

The  use  of  artificial  intelligence  (AI)  in  science  as  a  transformative  force  creates 
unprecedented opportunities as well as risks, for example related to data governance, 
model sharing, access to computing and scientific integrity. 

(10)  There  is  increased  global  competition  due  to  the  development  and  deployment  of 
groundbreaking  technologies  such  as  AI  which  have  profound  impacts  on  people’s 
lives.  

38 
39 
40 

Choose Europe for Science (link).  
European Research Council (ERC) (link). 
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (link). 

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(11)  The  Union  is  faced  with  a  geopolitical  environment  characterised  by  increasing 
hostility towards international cooperation, multilateralism, the rule of law and science 
itself. 

(12)  State and non-state actors exercise increasing pressure on global goods and commons, 

including on spaces beyond national jurisdiction. 

(13)  Progress  has  been  slow,  or  even  negative,  in  achieving  the  United  Nations  2030 
Agenda  for  Sustainable  Development41  and  the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  and 
the  resolution  of  the  triple  planetary  crisis  of  climate  change,  biodiversity  loss  and 
pollution, requiring joint efforts between nations informed by scientific evidence. 

(14)  The Union and its  Member States are the main  enablers  of global  intergovernmental 
science-policy  bodies  such  as  the  Intergovernmental  Panel  on  Climate  Change 
(IPCC)42,  the  Intergovernmental  Science-Policy  Platform  on  Biodiversity  and 
Ecosystem  Services  (IPBES)43,  the  Intergovernmental  Science-Policy  Panel  on 
Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP)44 and the proposed International Panel for 
Ocean Sustainability (IPOS)45. 

(15)  Research  and  innovation  provides  the  evidence  needed  to  underpin  international 
agreements  and  support  policy  choices  across  a  wide  range  of  sectoral  diplomacies 
where relevant.  

(16)  Foreign  and  security  policy,  including  the  common  foreign  and  security  policy 
(CFSP),  impact  research  and  innovation  policies,  both  directly,  e.g.  by  imposing 
restrictions  on  engagement  with  certain  international  partners  and  competitors,  and 
indirectly, e.g. by facilitating international cooperation in research and innovation and 
creating a level playing field.  

(17)  As  research  and  innovation  translates  more  than  ever  into  power  and  geopolitical 
influence,  a  strong  and  independent  Union  would  benefit  from  better  mobilising  the 
Union’s research and innovation assets. 

(18)  An increasing number of Union policy documents46,47 and major recent reports48 refer 
implicitly or explicitly to the role of science, technology and innovation in foreign and 
security policy. 

41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 

United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (link). 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (link). 
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) (link).  
Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) (link). 
International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) (link). 
In  addition  to  the  Commission  communication  on  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and  Innovation, 
COM(2021) 252 final of 18.5.2021 (link) and the related Council conclusions, 12301/21 RECH 425 of 
28.9.2021  (link),  this  includes  the  Council  conclusions  on  climate  and  energy  diplomacy,  5263/21  of 
25.1.2021  (link);  Joint  communication  on  strengthening  the  EU’s  contribution  to  rules-based 
multilateralism,  JOIN(2021)  3  final  of  17.2.2021  (link);  Joint  communication  on  a  stronger  EU 
engagement  for  a  peaceful,  sustainable  and  prosperous  Arctic,  JOIN(2021)  27  final  of  13.10.2021 
(link);  Council  conclusions  on  water  in  the  EU’s  external  action,  14108/21  of  19.11.2021  (link); 
Commission communication on a European strategy for universities, COM(2022) 16 final of 18.1.2022 
(link);  Council’s  Strategic  Compass  for  Security  and  Defence,  7371/22  of  21.3.2022  (link);  Council 
conclusions on principles and values for international cooperation in research and inovation, 10125/22 
of  10.6.2022  (link);  Council  conclusions  on  research  infrastructures,  15429/22  of  2.12.2022  (link); 
Council conclusions on EU digital diplomacy, 11406/22 of 18.7.2022 (link) and 11088/23 of 26.6.2023 
(link);  Joint  communication  on  European  Economic  Security  strategy,  JOIN(2023)  20  final  of 
20.6.2023 (link); Council conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation 

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(19)  Science diplomacy can play a vital role in  

a) 

b) 

defending the Union’s democratic values, strategic interests and technological 
and data sovereignty;  

strengthening  the  Union’s  competitive  position  as  one  of  the  leading  global 
science and technology actors;   

c)  maximising  the  deployment  of  the  Union’s  research  and  innovation  potential 

for the pursuit of peace and a rules-based international order; and   

d) 

reinforcing  the  Union’s  commitment  to  managing  global  public  goods  and 
commons  sustainably,  fighting  the  triple  planetary  crisis  of  climate  change, 
biodiversity  loss  and  pollution,  and  contributing  to  the  achievement  of  the 
United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable 
Development Goals.  

(20)  The  United  Nations  Educational,  Scientific  and  Cultural  Organization  (UNESCO)  is 
developing  a  global  science  diplomacy  framework  to  which  the  Union  should 
contribute.  

(21)  To pursue its interests, the Union should act strategically and in a coordinated manner 
in terms of science diplomacy vis-à-vis its global partners and competitors, which are 
investing in their own science diplomacy capacities. 

(22)  An increasing number of Member States have been developing and adopting national 
science diplomacy strategies and strengthening the scientific-technological  capacities 
in their diplomatic services at home and abroad. 

47 

48 

in the policymaking process in the Union, 16450/23 of 8.12.2023 (link); Council conclusions on green 
diplomacy,  7865/24  of  18.3.2024  (link);  Commission  communication  on  a  Competitiveness  Compass 
for  the  EU,  COM(2025)  30  final  of  29.1.2025  (link);  Joint  communication  on  the  European  Union’s 
strategic  approach  to  the  Black  Sea  region,  JOIN(2025)  135  final  of  28.5.2025  (link);  Joint 
communication on an International Digital Strategy for the European Union, JOIN(2025) 140 final of 
5.6.2025  (link)  and  the  related  Council  conclusions,  15315/1/25  REV1  of  20.11.2025  (link);  Joint 
communication  on  the  European  Ocean  Pact,  COM/2025/281  final  of  5.6.2025  (link);  Commission 
communication  on  a  European  strategy  on  research  and  technology  infrastructures,  COM(2025)  497 
final/2  of  30.9.2025  (link);  Commission  communication  on  the  Apply  AI  Strategy,  COM(2025)  723 
final of 8.10.2025 (link); Commission communication on a European strategy for artificial intelligence 
in  science,  COM(2025)  724  final  of  8.10.2025  (link);  Joint  communication  on  the  Pact  for  the 
Mediterranean, JOIN(2025) 26 final of 16.10.2025 (link) and Joint communication on strengthening EU 
economic security, JOIN(2025) 977 final of 3.12.2025 (link). 
Council  recommendation  of  23  May  2024  on  enhancing  research  security  (OJ  C,  C/2024/3510, 
30.5.2024) (link). 
Enrico Letta, Much more than a market – Speed, Security, Solidarity. Empowering the Single Market to 
deliver  a  sustainable  future  and  prosperity  for  all  EU  Citizens,  2024  (link);  European  Commission: 
European Political Strategy Centre, The future of European competitiveness. Part A, A competitiveness 
strategy  for  Europe,  Publications  Office  of  the  European  Union,  2025 (link);  European  Commission: 
Directorate-General  for  Research  and  Innovation, Align,  act,  accelerate  –  Research,  technology  and 
innovation to boost European competitiveness, Publications Office of the European Union, 2024 (link); 
Sauli  Niinistö,  Safer  together:  Strengthening  Europe’s  Civilian  and  Military  Preparedness  and 
Readiness,  2024  (link);  European  Commission:  Directorate-General  for  Research  and  Innovation, A 
European  framework  for  science  diplomacy  –  Recommendations  of  the  EU  Science  Diplomacy 
Working  Groups,  Gjedssø  Bertelsen,  R.(editor),  Bochereau,  L.(editor),  Chelioti,  E.(editor),  Dávid, 
Á.(editor),  Gailiūtė-Janušonė,  D.(editor),  Hartl,  M.(editor),  Liberatore,  A.(editor),  Mauduit,  J.-
C.(editor), Müller, J. M.(editor) and Van Langenhove, L.(editor), Publications Office of the European 
Union, 2025 (link). 

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(23)  Given  the  multitude  of  ongoing  activities,  it  is  necessary  to  foster  coherence  and 
optimise resources in science diplomacy, both at Union and Member States’ level, as 
well  as  to  provide  Union  coordination  and  guidance  to  Member  States  and  relevant 
stakeholders, taking their specific situations into account. 

(24)  Science  diplomacy  has  the  potential  to  contribute  to  a  ‘fifth’  freedom  of  free 
movement  of research, innovation, knowledge  and education49  and to  advancing  and 
achieving  the  European  Research  Area  (ERA),  both  internally  and  externally,  with 
particular emphasis on the enlargement dimension of the Union.  

(25)  While the concept of science diplomacy is fairly recent, the Union builds on a strong 
legacy of initiatives that could be considered science diplomacy, including European 
research  infrastructures  like  the  European  Organization  for  Nuclear  Research 
(CERN)50  or  the  European  Commission’s  Joint  Research  Centre  (JRC)51  as  well  as 
global  research  infrastructures  located  in  the  Union  and  supported  by  individual 
Member  States  like  the  Abdus  Salam  International  Centre  for  Theoretical  Physics 
(ICTP)52 or the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)53.  

(26)  A  vibrant  European  community  of  science  diplomacy  scholars  and  practitioners  has 
emerged  in  recent  years,  leading,  for  example,  to  the  creation  of  the  EU  Science 
Diplomacy  Alliance54  and  the  EU  Ministries  of  Foreign  Affairs  Science  Diplomacy 
and Advice Network. 

(27)  Therefore, the Union should establish itself as the global leader in science diplomacy, 

both to defend its own interests and serve the global public good, 

HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION: 

DEFINITIONS AND SCOPE 

1. 

For the purposes of this Recommendation: 

(1) 

‘science’  means  the  systematic  study  of  the  structure  and  behaviour  of  the 
physical and social world through observation, experimentation, and the testing 
of  theories  against  the  evidence  obtained  and  is  understood  here  as 
encompassing  natural  sciences,  technology,  engineering,  mathematics  and 
medicine  as  well  as  social  sciences  and  humanities  and  covering  both 
fundamental and applied research in the public and private sector;  

(2) 

‘diplomacy’ means the profession, activity, or skill of conducting international 
relations by state and non-state actors through peaceful means such as dialogue 
and negotiation, including through representatives abroad;  

(3) 

‘science  diplomacy’  means  the  direct  or  indirect  use  of  science,  scientific 
evidence  and  scientific  cooperation  to  support  diplomatic  objectives  at 

49 
50 
51 
52 
53 
54 

See Enrico Letta, Much more than a market, 2024. 
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) (link). 
European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) (link). 
Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) (link). 
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) (link). 
EU Science Diplomacy Alliance (link). 

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different  levels  as  well  as  the  deployment  of  diplomacy  to  support  scientific 
progress. 

2. 

This  recommendation  does  not  impinge  on  the  competence  of  Member  States  in 
foreign  and  security  policy  or  the  autonomy  and  independence  of  scientific 
institutions.  

PRINCIPLES AND VALUES OF UNION SCIENCE DIPLOMACY 

Union science diplomacy should be rooted in the values on which the Union is founded, as set 
out in Article 2 of the TEU, and based in particular on the principles and values underpinning 
international  cooperation  in  research  and  innovation,  as  outlined  in  the  Global  Approach  to 
Research  and  Innovation55  and  the  Marseille  Declaration56,  most  notably  academic  freedom 
and  freedom  of  scientific  research,  scientific  excellence,  research  ethics  and  integrity, 
research security, gender equality, diversity and inclusion, open science and open data57, and 
evidence-informed policymaking.  

MEMBER STATE ACTION TO SUPPORT UNION SCIENCE DIPLOMACY 

Taking into account the need for optimising resources, both at Union and Member State level, 
it is recommended that Member States take the following actions: 

Strategic actions 

3. 

4. 

5. 

55 

56 
57 
58 
59 
60 

acknowledge  the  importance  of  science  diplomacy  as  a  component  of  their  foreign 
and  security  policy  and  its  contribution  to  the  common  foreign  and  security  policy 
and  common  security  and  defence  policy  by  recognising  its  potential  in  relevant 
foreign and security policy strategies;  

use  science  diplomacy  action  and  targeted  messaging  to  position  the  Union  as  a 
global  champion  of  academic  freedom,  freedom  of  scientific  research  and 
international cooperation in research and innovation, including through the ‘Choose 
Europe for Science’ initiative; 

harness science diplomacy for pursuing the interest of the Union’s competitiveness, 
for  example  to  better  position  the  opportunities  offered  by  partnerships  with  the 
Union,  including  via  the  Global  Gateway  strategy58,  to  promote  European 
technologies,  to  leverage  the  influence  of  the  Union’s  research  and  innovation  and 
regulatory capacity for the setting of technical standards, and to support the Union’s 
technology  and  data  sovereignty,  including  by  infrastructure  initiatives  like 
GÉANT59  and  independent  access  to  climate,  biodiversity,  pollution  and  Earth 
observation data, where Copernicus can play a significant science diplomacy role60;  

Commission communication on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, COM(2021)252 final 
of 18.5.2021 (link). 
Marseille Declaration on International Cooperation in Research and Innovation (R&I) (link). 
With due respect to the protection of personal data. 
Global Gateway strategy (link). 
GÉANT (link). 
Copernicus: Europe's eyes on Earth (link). 

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6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

61 
62 
63 

foster inter- and transdisciplinary dialogues at Union, national and subnational level 
between the various science diplomacy actors on how to best balance scientific goals 
with foreign and security policy interests, considering in particular the need to assess 
the  impacts  of  restrictions  on  international  scientific  cooperation,  to  mitigate 
economic  and  research  security  risks  and  to  consider  the  potential  of  science 
diplomacy to prepare the ground for foreign and security policy action; 

consider drawing up national roadmaps for interest-driven science diplomacy action, 
to  be  updated  in  regular  intervals,  based  on  the  identification  of  thematic  and 
geographic  priorities  and  interests  at  Union,  national  and  subnational  level  agreed 
between  the  relevant  science  diplomacy  stakeholders  and  an  assessment  of  mutual 
interest and opportunities for cooperation between the Union and  non-EU countries 
in specific areas; 

with  due  consideration  of  security  concerns  related  to  dual  use  technologies  and 
other  sensitive  technologies  in  areas  such  as  space  and  defense,  identify  specific 
areas  in  which  science  diplomacy  can  be  used  as  a  trust-building  force  for 
maintaining  dialogue with countries  which do  not  share the  Union’s values or with 
which  formal  dialogue  is  strained  or  interrupted,  or  where  scientific  support  for 
diplomacy  or  diplomatic  support  for  science  can  help  foster  peace  and  mutual 
understanding,  including  in  the  area  of  non-proliferation  and  the  mitigation  of 
chemical,  biological,  radiological  and  nuclear  risks  (CBRN),  and  building  on 
successful  examples  like  the  International  Thermonuclear  Experimental  Reactor 
(ITER)61 or the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the 
Middle East (SESAME)62; 

wherever  it  can  add  value  to  established  policy  processes,  make  use  of  science 
diplomacy  to  advance  the  implementation  of  the  United  Nations  2030  Agenda  and 
the  Sustainable  Development  Goals  (in  particular  SDG17:  Partnerships  for  the 
Goals), to support the development and implementation of international agreements, 
to  address  global sustainability challenges, and to  sustainably manage global goods 
and  commons  in  a  fragmented  geopolitical  environment,  including  spaces  beyond 
national jurisdiction such as the high seas and deep sea, Antarctica, the Earth orbit, 
the  moon  and  other  celestial  objects,  as  well  as  common  goods  like  the 
radiospectrum and a dark and quiet sky;  

promote  Union  leadership  in  global  science  diplomacy  by  engaging  in  the  global 
science  diplomacy  discourse  and  playing  a  leading  role  in  the  development  of  a 
global  framework  for  science  diplomacy  as  promoted  by  UNESCO,  and  by 
strengthening  ties  or  building  alliances  with  trusted  partners  worldwide  to  promote 
science  diplomacy  guided  by  the  common  Union’s  and  Member  States’  interests, 
based on principles and values in research and innovation, a responsible and ethical 
use  of  science,  technology  and  innovation,  and  an  open  and  secure  research 
environment; 

position  European  research  and  technology  infrastructures  as  strategic  assets  of  the 
Union’s  soft  power  in  science  diplomacy63  and  key  drivers  of  the  Union’s 
competitiveness  and  technological  sovereignty,  capitalising  on  their  ability  to 

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) (link). 
Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) (link). 
Commission  communication  on  a  European  strategy  on  research  and  technology  infrastructures, 
COM(2025) 497 final/2 of 30.9.2025 (link). 

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promote the Union’s ambition and convening power, their potential to attract the best 
talent, their contribution to innovation, standard-setting and the sharing of data, and 
their role in advancing bilateral and multilateral relations;  

Operational actions 

12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

where  not  already  in  place,  consider  establishing  adequate  structures  for  the 
coordination  of  science  diplomacy  across  government  and  with  key  stakeholders  at 
different  levels,  including  by  the  appointment  of  a  national  science  diplomacy 
coordinator  and  by  exploring  synergies  with  other  sectoral  diplomacies,  such  as 
climate,  green,  water,  ocean,  polar,  space,  energy  and  health  diplomacy,  with 
particular emphasis on the cross-linkages with tech and digital diplomacy as well as 
cultural diplomacy;  

review the scientific advice and foresight mechanisms of ministries of foreign affairs, 
including  the  role  of  think  tanks,  to  identify  capacity  gaps  and  develop 
recommendations  for  the  improvement  of  these  science-for-policy  mechanisms, 
building  on  lessons  learned  from  existing  science  advice  mechanisms  at  global, 
Union, national and subnational level, thereby supporting wider efforts for promoting 
the  use  of  scientific  evidence  in  public  policymaking,  including  through  the  ERA 
Action on Advancing European Science for Policy64; 

strengthen  the  monitoring  of  groundbreaking  developments  in  research  and 
innovation,  such  as  the  increased  use  of  artificial  intelligence  in  science  within  the 
framework  of  the  overall  Union  policy  on  AI65,  by  assessing  their  implications  for 
the  Union’s  competitiveness, 
scientific  collaboration,  research 
integrating these insights into national science diplomacy strategies, and promoting a 
human-centric,  responsible,  transparent  and  secure  use  of  these  technologies  at 
global level; 

integrity  and 

a 

in 

coordinated  manner, 

Step  up  the  Union’s  engagement  in  and,  where  possible,  support  to  science-based 
international  organisations 
including  global 
intergovernmental science-policy platforms such as the IPCC, IPBES and ISP-CWP, 
and  strengthen  the  cooperation  with  non-governmental  international  organisations 
active  in  the  field  of  science  diplomacy  such  as  the  International  Science  Council 
(ISC)66  and  the  Geneva  Science  and  Diplomacy  Anticipator  (GESDA)67  as  well  as 
organisations working on technical standards and conventions such as the European 
Committees  for  Standardization  and  Electrotechnical  Standardization  (CEN-
CENELEC)68 and the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)69;  

16. 

create  networks  and  synergies  between  existing  science  and  technology  attachés  in 
diplomatic  representations  of  the  Union  and  the  Member  States  worldwide  and 
revisit their roles and required competencies, for example in innovation-related areas, 
in order to maximise their impact and make better use of existing resources;  

64 

65 
66 
67 
68 

69 

In line with the Council conclusions on strengthening the role and impact of research and innovation in 
the policymaking process in the Union, 16450/23 of 8.12.2023 (link). 
Union policy on AI (link). 
International Science Council (ISC) (link). 
Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) (link). 
European  Committee  for  Standardization  /  European  Committee  for  Electrotechnical  Standardization 
(CEN-CENELEC) (link) 
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) (link). 

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17. 

18. 

19. 

support  the  Union’s  science  diplomacy  outreach  by  taking  a  strategic  approach 
towards  the    scientific  diaspora  of  Member  States,  assisting  in  the  creation  of 
relevant networks in cooperation with academic exchange services, by making better 
use of alumni networks of Union mobility schemes such as the Marie Curie Alumni 
Association70  and  Erasmus  Mundus  Association71  and  by  capitalising  on  well-
established  events  that  promote  science-based  people-to-people  engagement  across 
geopolitical  divides  such as  the Lindau Nobel  Laureate meetings72 or the European 
Forum Alpbach73; 

develop  a  coherent  approach  towards  refugee  scholars  and  researchers  at  risk  with 
the aim of facilitating their continued contribution to research and innovation, based 
on the principles and values the Union stands for; 

build  equitable  science  diplomacy  partnerships  with  low-  and  middle-income 
countries  that  will  foster  the  contribution  of  local  expertise  to  shared  global 
challenges  and  provide  opportunities  for  capacity-building  and  open  markets  for 
investment, thereby tackling also asymmetries in research and innovation capacities; 

Enabling actions 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 

and  other  higher 

foster  linkages  between  Member  States’  diplomatic  services  on  the  one  hand  and 
research-performing 
education 
universities 
organisations,  research  funders  as  well  as  civil  society  on  the  other,  including  with 
non-state actors whose expertise, international networks, and innovative capacity can 
unlock  new  avenues  for  innovation  and  strengthen  global  partnerships  beyond 
traditional channels between government and academia; 

institutions, 

support  the  development  of  positive  science  diplomacy  narratives  underpinned  by 
multi-  and  interdisciplinary  research,  including  social  sciences  and  humanities,  and 
the  spreading  of  these  findings  through  scientific  publications  and  communication 
with the public, with the aim of enhancing trust in science, strengthening the integrity 
of the information space and shielding democracy and multilateralism;  

promote multilingualism in  science diplomacy and  linguistic diversity in science  in 
line with the G20 Recommendations on Science Engagement74; 

provide  science  diplomacy  training  to  scientists  and  diplomats  as  well  as 
professionals working at the interface between science and diplomacy in cooperation 
with  relevant  stakeholders,  including  by  integrating  science  diplomacy  modules  in 
the  curricula  of  diplomatic  academies  and  the  training  programmes  of  diplomats 
before being posted abroad. 

SUPPORTING ACTIONS AT UNION LEVEL 

24. 

To  support  the  implementation  of  points  3  to  23  of  this  Recommendation,  it  is 
recommended  that  the  European  Commission  takes  the  following  actions  in 
particular: 

70 
71 
72 
73 
74 

Marie Curie Alumni Association (link). 
Erasmus Mundus Association (link). 
Lindau Nobel Laureate meetings (link). 
European Forum Alpbach (link). 
G20 Recommendations on Science Engagement (link).  

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17 

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a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

f) 

support  a mapping  of Union  science diplomacy  actors, strategies  and training 
offers  and  of  science  diplomacy  efforts  by  the  Union’s  partners  and 
competitors  with  a  view  to  getting  an  overview  of  the  existing  national 
frameworks and currently available science diplomacy resources as well as of 
the global science diplomacy environment in which the Union and its Member 
States operate; 

enable  a  regular  exchange  between  scientists  and  diplomats  through  the 
establishment  of  a  virtual  European  Science  Diplomacy  Platform  based  on  a 
Team  Europe  approach,  which  can  serve  to  identify  topics  for  joint  science 
diplomacy  action  vis-à-vis  relevant  countries  and  regions  of  interest  to  the 
Union; 

establish a coordination mechanism using the existing ERA framework which 
can be activated ad hoc when a common Union position in the field of research 
and  innovation  is  needed  in  response  to  geopolitical  developments  such  as 
threats  to  the  Union’s  economic  security,  military  aggressions  or  democratic 
backsliding; 

integrate the European Union framework for science diplomacy in the current 
and future framework programme for research and innovation and other Union 
programmes by fostering instruments such as the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ 
initiative,  association  to  and  international  participation  in  Horizon  Europe, 
science  &  technology  agreements,  Global  Gateway  projects,  the  European 
Open  Science  Cloud  and  initiatives  targeted  at  specific  geographical  regions 
and  topics  such  as  the  Partnership  for  Research  and  Innovation  in  the 
Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)75, the AU-EU Innovation Agenda76, the Global 
Health  European  &  Developing  Countries  Clinical  Trials  Partnership 
(EDCTP)77,  Mission  Innovation78  and  the  All-Atlantic  Ocean  Research  and 
Innovation Alliance (AAORIA)79. 

facilitate  the  establishment  of  a  Mediterranean  Science  Diplomacy  Centre  as 
announced  in  the  Pact  for  the  Mediterranean80  and  strengthen  science 
diplomacy  dialogues  with  key  multilateral  and  international  partners  such  as 
the  African  Union  (AU),  the  Community  of  Latin  American  and  Caribbean 
States  (CELAC),  the  Association  of  Southeast  Asian  Nations  (ASEAN)  and 
Central Asia; 

strengthen  the  provision  of  scientific  advice  to  foreign  and  security  policy  in 
particular through the activities of the European Commission’s Joint Research 
Centre  (JRC)  and  Scientific  Advice  Mechanism81  as  well  as  the  Union’s 
decentralised  agencies82,  including  by  supporting  international  dialogues  in 
cooperation  with  international  science  advice  bodies  such  as  the  United 
Nations  Secretary-General’s  Scientific  Advisory  Board83,  the  International 

75 
76 
77 
78 
79 
80 
81 
82 
83 

Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) (link). 
AU-EU Innovation Agenda (link). 
Global Health European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) (link). 
Mission Innovation (link). 
All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) (link). 
Joint communication on the Pact for the Mediterranean, JOIN(2025) 26 final of 16.10.2025 (link). 
Scientific Advice Mechanism (link). 
EU Agencies Network on Scientific Advice (link). 
United Nations Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board (link). 

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Network  for  Governmental  Science  Advice  (INGSA)84  and  the  Foreign 
Ministries Science & Technology Advice Network (FMSTAN)85. 

IMPLEMENTATION AND REPORTING  

It is recommended that Member States implement points 3 to 23 of this Recommendation as 
soon as practicable.  

It  is  recommended  that  the  Commission  monitors  the  implementation  progress  of  this 
Recommendation  using  existing  ERA  governance  structures,  in  particular  the  ERA  Forum 
Subgroup  on  the  Global  Approach  to  Research  and  Innovation,  in  cooperation  with  the 
European  External  Action  Service,  and  reports  to  the  Council  on  the  progress  in  the 
implementation of this Recommendation every two years, as part of its biennial reporting on 
the Global Approach to Research and Innovation.  

Done at Brussels, 

For the Council 

The President 

84 
85 

International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA) (link). 
Foreign Ministries Science & Technology Advice Network (FMSTAN) (link). 

EN 

19 

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