ALLEA acknowledges the challenges that European and global research collaborations face in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Within this shifting landscape, it is crucial to reaffirm the principles of openness, integrity, and freedom of scientific research for a responsible internationalisation. These principles, which form the core of both ALLEA’s mission and scientific progress in general, must be safeguarded even as legitimate concerns on research security are addressed. This statement is directed to policymakers, research funders, and academic institutions across Europe and beyond, and serves to inform the ongoing dialogue on research collaboration and security. It aims at contributing to a “European way”, projecting a distinctly European perspective into national and global debates for sustainable and secure partnerships.