Europe can strengthen science diplomacy to protect common goods and shared responsibilities

Science is fundamental. It drives human progress and provides solutions essential for addressing our shared challenges. It transcends borders with its universal rigour and factual approach to problem-solving. Yet, despite its factual basis, science faces threats from misuse, neglect, and the gravest danger of all, abuse that undermines knowledge production.

In the United States, the current administration has taken steps to undermine independent scientific institutions, such as pulling out of key international climate science efforts, restricting research projects mentioning a list of keywords such as “equity” or “female”, dismissing scientists and fostering a climate of fear and suspicion in sustainability sciences.  The United States’ retreat from science and science diplomacy challenges our collective capacity to make decisions based on facts informed by robust scientific evidence. It compromises the irreplaceable role of science in achieving global, coordinated climate action to achieve climate-resilient development.

In the United States, scientific institutions independent of political power are under threat as never before in Western democracies. Yet, Europe too is facing attempts to weaken the role of science and facts in policymaking. The book Climate Obstruction Across Europe, published by the Climate Social Science Network, explains how climate obstruction tactics, from denial to delay, are thriving. These climate obstruction tactics are fundamentally anti-democratic as they distort public discourse, impede transparent decision-making, and deny citizens access to accurate information. 

Empowering policy through science for a stronger Europe

We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in the U.S. whose scientific institutions are most immediately under threat. We know statements of support are not enough, and aim to continue taking action however we can to ensure that science remains a guiding force in policy decisions.

Europe has an opportunity to take a stand. The recent European Framework for Science Diplomacy report and commentary published in Nature underscores that Europe can promote peace, resilient development and human health and wellbeing by integrating science more deeply into policymaking. Science diplomacy—using scientific collaboration to bridge geopolitical divides—is a key instrument to foster this ambition.

The European Union and member states have the capacity to strengthen the role of independent experts and scientists in policy discussions, to ensure that decisions on climate, health, wellbeing, biodiversity and technology are firmly rooted in evidence rather than political whims.

A commitment to science and each other

We cannot afford to be passive while scientific integrity is under threat. As a cluster of scientists involved in European projects on risks and adaptation to climate change, we call on policymakers, research institutions, and businesses to defend science from political and industrial manipulation. This requires strengthening the mechanisms and instruments that safeguard independent experts and scientific institutions from political influence, while ensuring a transparent public debate upstream of decision-making. By equipping itself with the means to strengthen science and science diplomacy, Europe can create a desirable future that rejects obscurantism and oppression.

We can only address climate change, global health and biodiversity crises, as well as social and technological advancements through science. Questioning its validity undermines the foundation of our collective progress and the hope for a better future.

To protect science diplomacy, we need to protect science itself.

This letter is based on the opinions of the scientists and professionals working on CoCliCo, PROTECT, and SCORE projects. The opinions expressed do not reflect those of the European Commission or the project partner organisations. Signed by:

1. Gonéri Le Cozannet, researcher and coordinator of the European research project CoCliCo

2. Salem Gharbia, researcher and coordinator of the European research project SCORE

3. Angélique Melet, researcher in the European research project CoCliCo

4. Elco Koks, researcher and coordinator of the European research project MIRACACoCliCo

5. Gianmaria Sannino, researcher in the European research project CoCliCo

6. Charalampos Skoulikaris, researcher in the European research project CoCliCo

7. Rémi Thiéblemont, researcher in the European research project CoCliCo

8. Jochen Hinkel, researcher in the European research project CoCliCo

9. Jacinta Hamley, Campaign Lead for Vizzuality and WP7 lead of CoCliCo

10. Susana Romao, Portfolio & Partnerships Lead for Vizzuality and WP7 lead of CoCliCo

11. Pauline Douillac, communication officer in the European research project CoCliCo

12. Bruno Buongiorno Nardelli, Ricercatore presso, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche

13. Nicola Horsburgh, PhD Researcher, Coastal adaptation