Implementing the global approach to R&I

ERA Structural Policy 7 in the ERA Policy Agenda (2025-2027)

Against the background of fundamental changes to geopolitical, scientific and technological environment, the EU should become more strategic in using the power of international cooperation in research and innovation, also in promoting common EU principles and values.

This Structural Policy will be pursued by running activities and discussions of the ERA Forum Standing Subgroup on the Global Approach to R&I:

• recurrent mapping of bi- and multilateral scientific cooperation of Member States, and, where appropriate, Associated Countries and stakeholders;
• fostering synergies with other EU programmes and initiatives such as Global Gateway;
• coordinating and aligning with the other ERA actions such as the proposed one on research security;
• providing input and guidance on how to strengthen the international dimension of the next Framework Programme.

Objectives

• To guarantee that the ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027 includes the international dimension, as a cross-cutting, long-term and fundamental characteristic of the R&I ecosystem;
• enhancing the science-policy-diplomacy interface;
• tackling global challenges while protecting the strategic interests, values and principles of the Union, its Member States and, where appropriate, Associated Countries;
• promoting a level-playing field at EU level in international cooperation in R&I;
• deepen knowledge on bilateral cooperation led by MS and, where appropriate, Associated Countries with non-EU countries.

Expected outcomes

• European framework for science diplomacy (2025);
• roadmap for multilateral dialogue on values and principles for international cooperation in research and innovation (2025);
• new pilot initiatives of the 'Team Europe' approach, including Latin America and the Caribbean in 2025, and India in 2026; and expanding current 'Team Europe' approaches to Africa and China;
• an opinion on how to organise international R&I cooperation activities with third countries under the next Framework Programme.

Background information

Structural Policy 7 is a continuation of former ERA Action 9 "Promote a positive environment and level playing field for international cooperation based on reciprocity". This action implemented objectives set out in the Commission Communication on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation and in the Council Conclusions of 28 September 2021. It focused on four aspects, namely: further developing the values and principles for international cooperation to be promoted in multilateral dialogues with partner countries and international fora; launching pilot initiatives on the 'Team Europe' approach for a specific world region; developing a European Science Diplomacy Agenda; and promoting a coordinated joint approach for engagement in multilateral initiatives.

Moreover, a Mutual Learning Excercise (MLE) on "Foreign Interference" was conducted under ERA Action 6 "Protect academic freedom" of the ERA Policy Agenda (2022-2024), in which 12 Member States participated. Foreign interference occurs when “activities are carried out by, or on behalf of, a foreign state-level actor, which are coercive, covert, deceptive, or corrupting, and are contrary to the sovereignty, values, and interests of the European Union”. The Mutual Learning Exercise focused on three topics: "Awareness raising and stakeholder engagement", "Understanding and identifying foreign interference threats", and "Measures to counter foreign interference threats". The MLE was concluded in April 2024.

For more information:

A European framework for science diplomacy - Publications Office of the EU