The European Commission has announced the launch of public consultations on the future Act on the European Research Area (ERA). Until September 10, 2025, researchers, representatives of academic communities, entrepreneurs, and all interested parties are invited to submit their opinions, research, and analyses related to this legislative proposal to the European Commission. 

The proposed ERA Act aims to establish a unified market for researchers, knowledge, and technologies—referred to as the European Union’s “fifth freedom.” Its main objectives are to increase the EU’s competitiveness and its ability to attract investment and talent, stimulate innovation, reduce the innovation gap compared to other global economies, and make the European Union the most attractive place for researchers and innovators to work. 

The planned legislation also intends to address challenges related to fragmented regulatory frameworks, uneven investment levels in research and development, barriers to knowledge exchange, and limitations in interdisciplinary, cross-sector, and international collaboration. 

The consultation process is open to a wide range of stakeholders, including public administration bodies, higher education institutions, research entities, vocational training organizations, enterprises (including SMEs), technology centers, scientific publishers, and the general public. 

The adoption of the ERA Act is planned for the second half of 2026. The document will focus on harmonizing investments in research and development, reducing disparities, and aligning research policies across member states. At the same time, it will uphold core European research values—academic freedom and gender equality. 

This invitation to provide feedback marks the first stage of the consultation process and will remain open until September 10, 2025.