Commission calls on innovators and researchers to shape the future European Research Area Act

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence for the upcoming European Research Area Act (ERA), which will address the remaining challenges in establishing a single market for researchers, knowledge, and technology—often referred to as the EU’s fifth Freedom.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: ”We must build a true ‘fifth EU freedom’ to drive innovation, secure our position as a global scientific leader, and encourage researchers to choose Europe for their career. We want to hear from research and innovation communities, private-sector businesses and SMEs, and all other parties interested in how best to build a competitive, attractive and fair research and innovation framework.”

The ERA Act, expected to be adopted in the second half of 2026, will focus on harmonising research and development (R&D) investments, reducing disparities, and aligning R&D policies across Member States. It will improve conditions for the circulation of knowledge, and for research and researchers, while safeguarding fundamental European research values like scientific freedom and gender equality.

The initial step in the consultation process is the call for evidence, open until 10 September 2025 on the ‘Have your Say’ portal. A 12-week public consultation will follow on the same portal.

Source: European Commission