A New Policy Framework
On 29 May 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a Recommendation establishing the first European Union framework for science diplomacy. The framework sets out a shared vision for using science, scientific evidence, and international cooperation to support foreign policy, while also using diplomacy to enable scientific progress.
Open, but Secure
The Recommendation reflects a changing geopolitical environment in which research and innovation are increasingly linked to competitiveness, resilience, and strategic autonomy. It stresses that international scientific cooperation should remain “open and secure”, following the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”. Horizon Europe, third-country association, the ERC, MSCA, and the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative are presented as key instruments of Europe’s global scientific outreach.
Why It Matters for Chemistry
For the chemical sciences, the framework is particularly relevant. It highlights the role of science in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and explicitly refers to global science-policy bodies including the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution. Chemistry is central to these priorities, from sustainable materials and safer chemicals to clean technologies, circularity, and environmental monitoring.
Science as Strategic Infrastructure
The document also recognises European research and technology infrastructures as strategic assets for scientific excellence, standard-setting, FAIR data sharing, and international cooperation. For researchers, this confirms that science diplomacy is becoming a more visible part of EU research policy: not only advancing knowledge, but also building trust, supporting evidence-informed decisions, and strengthening Europe’s role in global scientific cooperation.
