Council defines a new framework for science diplomacy

The Council adopted a recommendation on outlining a new European Union framework for science diplomacy. This framework aims to strengthen the Union’s position as a global leader in science and technology, and to use scientific cooperation to advance its foreign policy objectives.

In an era defined by geopolitical fragmentation and rapid technological change, science diplomacy is no longer a peripheral endeavour – it is a core strategic imperative. It is through the universal language of science, and a commitment to open yet secured collaboration, that the European Union can not only advance its own interests and values, but also forge a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world; an autonomous Union, open to the world.

Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, the Republic of Cyprus

Science as a diplomatic tool

The recommendation stresses that science is a global public good and that scientific collaboration can build trust and facilitate dialogue with third countries. It emphasises the importance of an open and secure international cooperation in research and innovation, building on the association of third countries to Horizon Europe and other initiatives, such as ‘Choose Europe for Science’.

The new framework calls to maximise the impact of science diplomacy in terms of safeguarding and promoting the Union’s values, including freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human rights. It recognises its role in pursuing EU’s competitiveness interests and the need to balance scientific goals against foreign and security policy interests. This includes assessing risks and exploiting opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

Stronger partnerships

The recommendation expresses the Council’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the global south to support research capacity and to address shared global challenges. Specifically, the recommendation calls for the creation of a Mediterranean science diplomacy centre.

It also encourages member states to establish support arrangements for coordinating science diplomacy across government and with their stakeholders, and to foster linkages between diplomatic services and research-performing organisations, universities and other higher education institutions, including the European Universities alliances.

The text adopted today puts a special focus on integrating science diplomacy into education and training programmes to raise awareness among future generations.

It also calls on the Commission to strengthen the monitoring of groundbreaking global developments in research, technology and innovation, such as the increased use of AI in science, and assess their implications.

The framework also underscores the importance of maintaining research security and ensuring that science diplomacy efforts are aligned with the Union’s external action.

Background

Science diplomacy refers to the direct or indirect use of science, scientific evidence and scientific cooperation to inform and support foreign policy at different levels, as well as to the deployment of diplomacy to support and promote international cooperation and scientific progress. It is a powerful tool to project soft power and pursue the EU’s economic interests and fundamental values more effectively, meeting demand and interest from partner countries and playing to the EU’s strengths as a research and innovation powerhouse. Some member states have or are developing their own science diplomacy strategies, which could include the creation of specific figures in ministries, such as scientific advisers, chief science officers, special envoys for science diplomacy and technology ambassadors.

In its Conclusions on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, the Council highlighted called on the Commission and the European External Action Service to develop a European Science Diplomacy Agenda.

On 27 February 2026, the Commission proposed the Council recommendation on a European Union framework for science diplomacy as part of a wider package on open and secure international cooperation in research and innovation.

Recommendations are non-binding EU acts foreseen in Article 288 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Although recommendations do not have legal consequences, they offer guidance on the interpretation or content of EU law.