The Guild urges safeguards as FP10 opens to dual-use research

The Guild has published its position on the possible introduction of dual-use research in FP10, calling for strong safeguards to preserve Horizon Europe’s civilian character, research excellence and openness.

While recognising the European Commission’s rationale in light of growing geopolitical tensions and the dual-use nature of many emerging technologies, The Guild warns that dual-use research must remain a carefully governed exception within a civilian EU research programme.

Among its key recommendations, The Guild stresses that dual-use research must not redefine Horizon Europe as a defence programme. A clear distinction between dual-use and defence research should be maintained, with defence activities remaining outside FP10. It also calls for research excellence to remain the main criterion for evaluating and selecting projects.

The organisation further underlines the need to protect curiosity-driven and fundamental research, especially at lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs 1–3), where restrictions should remain minimal to safeguard academic freedom, open science and knowledge sharing. Dual-use calls, it argues, should mainly target higher TRLs.

The Guild also calls for stronger European guidance on research security, predictable rules for associated countries, and targeted restrictions based on academic, ethical and legal considerations. In addition, it urges the EU to adopt a broader understanding of security by reinforcing support for Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, which are vital for strengthening Europe’s societal resilience and democratic stability.

The paper can be downloaded here:

Balancing openness and security