The ERA in full swing: second EU-level Report demonstrates significant achievements in implementing the ERA Policy Agenda

This EU-level report provides the second 18-month review of the progress towards the priority areas for joint action under the European Research Area (ERA), as laid down in the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe (Pact for R&I), and of the implementation of the ERA Policy Agenda. The second EU-level Report additionally assesses the ERA actions in terms of their contribution to achieve the ERA objectives at EU-level over the whole implementation period of the ERA Policy Agenda (i.e. 2022-2024). The report is part of the ERA Monitoring Mechanism and is requested by the Pact for R&I.

The findings confirm that implementation of the ERA Policy Agenda has made significant progress, contributing significantly to the ERA’s objectives across its four priorities over the period 2022-2024.

Key findings include:

ERA Priority 1 – Deepening a truly functional internal market for knowledge: Key developments include the operationalisation of EOSC, a rise in Open Access publications, the establishment of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), mandatory Gender Equality Plans under Horizon Europe, the framework for research careers and ERA Talent Platform, a strengthened international strategy, and an improved roadmapping for research infrastructures.

ERA Priority 2 – Taking up together the challenges posed by the twin green and digital transition, and increasing society’s participation in the ERA: Initiatives such as the updated Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan, and efforts to integrate European ecosystems and value-chains (e.g. through the European Strategy for Research and Technology Infrastructures and regional innovation initiatives) hold considerable potential to drive transformative progress.

ERA Priority 3 – Amplifying access to Research and Innovations excellence across the Union: Progress includes improved access to R&I excellence, particularly focusing on Widening Countries, through mechanisms such as Excellence Hubs, Seal of Excellence projects, and targeted Horizon Europe initiatives. Regional innovation ecosystems and professionalisation of research management have further supported institutional capacity-building.

ERA Priority 4 – Advancing concerted Research and Innovation investments and reforms: Advancements have been made in aligning and coordinating R&I investments through tools such as the Enhanced Dialogues and the renewed ERA monitoring mechanism. Increased investments in innovation ecosystems, as well as reforms in research careers and research-industry linkages, have contributed to strengthen Europe’s scientific and technological capacity.

The report concludes with general suggestions for future ERA policy initiatives, including strengthening co-creation, scaling the impact of the ERA Policy Agenda, enhancing the scope and inclusiveness, and addressing disparities among Member States.

Background

The European Research Area (ERA) aims to establish a unified market for research and innovation by aligning national and EU-level policies, improving research infrastructures, and promoting open science and international collaboration. Launched in 2000 following a European Commission proposal titled ‘Towards a European Research Area’, the ERA was endorsed by the European Council and is enshrined in Article 179 of the Lisbon Treaty. 

The current ERA policy framework is the result of a revitalisation process, started in 2021, which led to a new ERA governance, the Pact for R&I and the first ERA Policy Agenda (2022-24). The second ERA Policy Agenda (2025-2027) has been adopted by the Council on 23 May 2025. This year marks 25 years of joint efforts to build a single market for research and innovation - driving structural, economic and policy transformation across the ERA.

More information

Second ERA EU-level Report

Second ERA EU-level Report - Executive Summary

European Research Area Platform

ERA Policy Agenda : 2022-24 | 2025-2027