European Union’s research priorities face an unprecedented degree of political interference.

In July, the European Commission announced a proposal to nearly double the European Union’s Horizon Europe research-funding budget to €175 billion (US$205 billion) for its next seven-year period, which begins in 2028. But any celebrations did not last long. The commission also confirmed its intention, first mooted earlier this year, to abolish a long-standing rule that restricts Horizon funding to projects with only civilian applications. If the change is implemented, it would be the first time that the EU’s principal research fund (previously known as the Framework Programmes) would allow ‘dual-use’ research that is, work that could have both civil and military applications since the programmes began in 1984.Announcing decisions without consulting those affected marks a departure from the way the EU’s research institutions have typically operated. Abandoning this approach is, to put it charitably, unwise. Much of Europe is either on or close to a war footing, which is understandably having a big impact on research. Over the past few weeks, unidentified drone flights have led to the closure of some of the region’s main airports, causing chaos, alarm and uncertainty. What is your take on Europe defence free zone ?