The European Commission is reconsidering the scope of the European Research Area (ERA), an initiative created more than a decade ago to bring researchers, universities and companies from different Member States closer together.
To this end, a public consultation has been launched and will remain open until 23 January 2026.
The ERA represents the ambition to create a single, borderless market for research, innovation and technology across the European Union, aiming to align the research policies and programmes of European countries. In this way, it prioritises investment and reform in research and innovation, while also boosting researcher mobility and the free flow of knowledge and technology.
This shift in direction comes in a context of both external and internal economic pressures, which require a reassessment of investment in science and technology. Some Member States argue that the Union should concentrate resources on sectors with immediate application, such as energy security and green industry, before deepening European scientific integration.
Against this backdrop, the future of the ERA is a central topic in European discussions, with the debate divided between the need to refocus the initiative on current priorities that strengthen Europe’s position in the geopolitical context, and concerns that reducing scientific ambition may weaken the EU’s long-term competitiveness.
With this initiative, the European Commission aims to reinforce the implementation of its core principles, such as freedom of scientific research, which ensures that researchers can work independently, share knowledge and collaborate across borders. Moreover, strengthening scientific strategy fosters trust, creativity and excellence in research, allowing researchers to explore new ideas freely and engage in cross-border collaboration. The absence of solid safeguards in this regard may lead to researchers facing restrictions that discourage mobility, hinder innovation and weaken Europe’s ability to attract and retain talent.
Our team is available for further information.
