Science Diplomacy's New European Strategy: Future Obstacles and Benefits to Anticipate
In the heart of London, at University College London (UCL), Associate Professor Jean-Christophe Mauduit, a renowned figure in the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP), is at the forefront of discussions regarding the EU's Science Diplomacy Framework. His colleague, Prof. Stéphanie Balme, the organizer of the event, is also deeply involved in these discussions.
The EU's science diplomacy efforts are a response to the evolving landscape of international relations, aiming to address global commons, including the Sustainable Development Goals. However, these efforts must balance leveraging Europe's scientific and innovation ecosystem, addressing global commons, and navigating a competitive and politically disruptive environment.
According to the EU Science Diplomacy Framework, released in February 2025, the key challenges for the EU include balancing openness with safeguarding European interests and enhancing research security to protect against risks while maintaining international cooperation. The EU faces the challenge of implementing fundamental principles and values in international research and innovation through multilateral dialogue, ensuring that cooperation aligns with the EU’s economic security strategy.
Another challenge lies in managing bilateral and multilateral agreements and partnerships globally, alongside fostering cooperation that combines policy dialogue with project-based initiatives. However, these challenges are countered by opportunities to leverage the EU’s scientific and technological partnerships worldwide to address global challenges such as climate change, health, and digital transformation.
Science diplomacy can help the EU bridge divides in a fragmented world, fostering innovation, competitiveness, and international cooperation, including engagement with non-state actors and regions beyond the EU. Association schemes like those allowing non-EU countries to participate in Horizon Europe exemplify innovative cooperative mechanisms enhancing the EU's global research reach.
The EU's science diplomacy contributes to its new global strategy by serving as a tool to increase its soft power and influence, advancing global governance on scientific matters, and supporting the EU’s broader geopolitical and economic goals through fostering shared principles, mutual understanding, and collaborative problem-solving. It aligns closely with the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, balancing openness with security and economic interests, and enables the EU to be a global actor tackling transnational challenges through science-based diplomacy.
Dr. Jan Marco Mueller, who chairs the EU Science Diplomacy Framework, leads this forward-looking approach that amplifies the EU’s global strategy by enhancing its diplomatic leverage, promoting sustainable development, and reinforcing values-driven international collaboration. The EU is seeking to define its distinctive role in science diplomacy, and with the release of the EU Science Diplomacy Framework, it is well on its way to doing so. The framework, developed through a collective effort of experts across Europe, offers a comprehensive approach to navigating the challenges and opportunities of science diplomacy in the 21st century.
[1] EU Science Diplomacy Framework (February 2025) [2] Global Approach to Research and Innovation [3] University College London (UCL) [4] STEaPP - Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) [5] Prof. Jean-Christophe Mauduit - Associate Professor of Science Diplomacy [6] Prof. Stéphanie Balme - Organizer of the event and Director of Sciences Po-CERI/CNRS [7] Dr. Jan Marco Mueller - Chair of the EU Science Diplomacy Framework
- The EU Science Diplomacy Framework, led by Dr. Jan Marco Mueller, aims to enhance the EU's diplomatic leverage by navigating the challenges and opportunities of science diplomacy in the 21st century, aiming to foster innovation and competitiveness in environmental-science, business, finance, education-and-self-development, and career-development sectors.
- At the University College London (UCL) STEaPP, Associate Professor Jean-Christophe Mauduit, a renowned figure in science diplomacy, is facilitating discussions on how the EU can leverage its scientific and innovation ecosystem to address global commons, such as climate change, while balancing openness with safeguarding European interests.
- In an effort to increase its soft power and influence, the EU is seeking to define its distinctive role in science diplomacy through the Global Approach to Research and Innovation, which aligns with the principles of values-driven international collaboration and balancing openness with security and economic interests, while fostering shared principles, mutual understanding, and collaborative problem-solving.
