The European Commission has announced a series of new measures to reinforce research security across the European Union. These new measures will protect Europe’s research and innovation landscape from emerging global risks
The measures were made in Brussels during the first European Flagship Conference on Research Security.
For the first time, research security will be anchored in EU legislation through the upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act. This shows the Commission’s determination to make research security a legal obligation across all Member States, ensuring consistent protection against foreign interference, cyber threats, and misuse of research results.
The changes come at a time when global scientific collaboration is expanding rapidly. This means that security concerns are also on the rise, including intellectual property theft and geopolitical tensions that affect academic partnerships. By integrating research security into EU law, the Commission aims to safeguard Europe’s open and collaborative research environment while maintaining high standards of transparency and trust.
EU’s plans to support researchers
Several new instruments and structures were announced to help researchers and institutions manage risks more effectively. A European Centre of Expertise on Research Security will be established within the European Commission to provide advice, training, and coordination.
The Centre will also act as a hub for sharing best practices and building a strong community of practice across Europe. It is expected to be operational by mid-2026.
Complementing this, the Commission will launch a due diligence platform to help researchers and institutions assess the risks associated with international cooperation. This tool is designed to support universities, research organisations, and funding bodies in making informed decisions about partnerships and data sharing.
A standard methodology for Member States will also be introduced to test the resilience of research-performing organisations. The approach aims to create a consistent framework for identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening institutional safeguards across Europe’s research system.
Strong policy foundation
These new steps build on previous EU and national efforts to improve research security. In May 2024, the Council adopted a Recommendation on Enhancing Research Security, which urged Member States to develop national strategies and risk-management processes. It also called on research funders to apply robust safeguards and promote responsible international collaboration.
The recommendation emphasised that academic freedom must be paired with accountability, and that researchers should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to manage risks effectively.
Monitoring progress and next steps
Research security has been identified as a key action area in the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, adopted earlier this year. The Commission will track progress through a new Research Security Monitor, which will assess how Member States and institutions are implementing the agreed measures.
A public consultation on the forthcoming ERA Act proposal is currently underway, allowing stakeholders to contribute to shaping the EU’s legal framework for research and innovation.
