(fra forslaget til rådsrekommandasjon av 27.2.2026)

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 Letta 1 , Draghi 2 , Heitor 3 and Niinistö 4 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 security 6 .

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 affairs 7 , many of these posts were created in the past three years. Several Member States have developed national science and/or tech diplomacy strategies 8 , or are currently developing such strategies 9 , 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 2021 10 .

Many countries and regional organisations around the world are strategically investing in science diplomacy 11 . 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 diplomacy 12 . It is therefore 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:

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

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

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

4.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 13  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.