The article “EU needs diaspora researchers and science attachés involved in diplomacy,” published by Science | Business, underscores the European Commission’s efforts to revamp science diplomacy, but it inadvertently reveals a troubling irresolution in addressing the role of russian researchers following russia’s heinous invasion of Ukraine.
The Commission’s delayed and inconsistent approach to isolating russian researchers demonstrates a broader failure to align its policies with moral clarity. While science diplomacy aims to foster collaboration and trust, the invasion of Ukraine demands a decisive stance. Any hesitation to sever research ties risks inadvertently legitimizing russia’s war crimes and diluting the EU’s commitment to its values. This lack of coherence undermines the very credibility the EU seeks to bolster in its science diplomacy framework.
Moreover, the article highlights confusion among scientists and diplomats about how to handle russian researchers post-invasion, a testament to the Commission’s inadequate guidance. By leaving scientists and institutions to navigate this moral and political minefield independently, the EU has exacerbated tensions within the research community. Some institutions have maintained ties, while others have severed them abruptly, creating inconsistencies that weaken the EU’s diplomatic front. A clear, unified policy would not only signal solidarity with Ukraine’s fight against the terrorist state that goes under the name of russia but also demonstrate the EU’s resolve to uphold human rights and international norms, critical components of its global scientific engagement.
Finally, while the Commission aims to leverage science diplomacy to address global challenges, its irresolution in isolating russian researchers signals a missed opportunity to lead by example. Science diplomacy should not only facilitate collaboration but also embody ethical responsibility. The failure to unequivocally denounce and disengage from russian science ties compromises the EU’s moral authority. As the Commission finalizes its science diplomacy framework, it must prioritize integrating robust ethical guidelines that align scientific collaboration with geopolitical realities and European security. By doing so, the EU can strengthen its leadership in global diplomacy while ensuring its policies reflect unwavering support for Ukraine and the principles of peace and justice.