Europe is investing in stronger and better coordinated science diplomacy among the Member States and the European Commission in response to a rapidly changing geopolitical and technological context. At a time when technological breakthroughs are succeeding one another at an ever-increasing pace and the international order is under pressure, major challenges such as climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss, energy security and the digital transition require effective interaction between research and diplomacy.

The European Union is shifting its international approach towards a “Global Europe” agenda, in which open strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness and geopolitical capacity play a central role. Within this framework, research and innovation are increasingly regarded as strategic assets for strengthening European competitiveness, technological sovereignty and economic security. At the same time, the EU remains explicitly committed to a rules-based multilateral order and to international cooperation with reliable partners. Science diplomacy is therefore a crucial instrument for connecting European interests and values with global challenges, building bridges between countries and promoting the joint development of knowledge. Science diplomacy supports the European Green Deal ^[1], the digital transition and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) ^[2], while simultaneously contributing to an open, secure and resilient international research and innovation environment ^[3].

The current European approach builds on more than ten years of cooperation between researchers, diplomats and policymakers, including through initiatives funded under the European Horizon 2020 programme. ^[5]. Projects such as EL-CSID (European Leadership in Cultural, Science and Innovation Diplomacy) ^[6] developed some of the first conceptual frameworks for European science diplomacy. S4D4C (Using Science for/in Diplomacy for Addressing Global Challenges) ^[7] developed practical tools, training programmes and policy recommendations for European and national governments. InSciDE (Inventing a Shared Science Diplomacy for Europe) ^[8] examined historical examples and societal applications of science diplomacy and contributed to the development of a shared European vision. CatalySD ^[9] in turn, contributes to career perspectives, curricula and international partnerships.

Building on this strong foundation, the European Science Diplomacy Alliance ^[10] was established, bringing together policy organisations and diplomats, universities ^[11] (for example through the EUTOPIA project ^[12]), research institutions and individual researchers to further promote and strengthen science diplomacy. Beyond Europe, multilateral organisations are also investing in science diplomacy. The Asia-Europe Foundation ^{[13] [14]}, for example, focuses on training and dialogue involving young researchers, policymakers and diplomats.

With the adoption of the Council Recommendation ^[22] on Science Diplomacy in May 2026, science diplomacy was formally embedded as a strategic instrument within the European diplomatic toolbox. The framework provides a common vision and strategic basis within which the EU, its Member States and actors from the fields of research, innovation and diplomacy can better coordinate their efforts, including in relation to the interaction between science diplomacy and cultural diplomacy. A particularly important development is the strong emphasis on a multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder approach, with special attention given to the creation of safe spaces in which scientists, policymakers, diplomats and other stakeholders can engage in dialogue. Science diplomacy is thus structurally embedded at the intersection of research, innovation, foreign policy and security policy, with the objective of strengthening European competitiveness, geopolitical capacity and a secure, sustainable and prosperous future, while also contributing to peace in the world.

As a concrete follow-up to the European recommendations on science diplomacy, the three-year Consolidating European Science Diplomacy (CUSP) ^[23] project was launched in 2026. CUSP aims to further strengthen European cooperation in science diplomacy through the development of an online European Science Diplomacy Hub, facilitating knowledge exchange, cooperation and networking. The project also places strong emphasis on training and capacity-building through targeted programmes, with the objective of developing a broader and more professional community of science diplomacy actors across Europe.

Science diplomacy is increasingly becoming a strategic pillar of bi-regional cooperation between Europe and other world regions. It is also emerging as a distinct area of cooperation within international partnerships. For example, science diplomacy occupies a prominent position within the EU–African Union (AU) partnership on Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) and the Joint Innovation Agenda.

  Home