Sittings · Document
Question for oral answer O-000008/2026
to the Commission
Rule 142
Eszter Lakos, Sofie Eriksson, Ivars Ijabs, Ville Niinistö on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Subject: Upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act
The European Parliament recalls that Article 179 TFEU sets out the Union’s objective of establishing a European Research Area (ERA) in which researchers, scientific knowledge and technology circulate freely, enabling the Union to strengthen its scientific and technological bases and enhance its global competitiveness. A fully functioning ERA is essential for Europe’s long-term strategic autonomy, its ability to attract and retain scientific talent, and its capacity to deliver high-quality research supporting innovation, prosperity and European leadership.
Despite progress in recent years, the Union continues to face persistent structural obstacles preventing the full realisation of the ERA. Fragmented national rules, insufficient coordination and cooperation among Member States, uneven research performance, underinvestment in R&I, administrative complexity and barriers to researcher mobility undermine the coherence and effectiveness of the European research and innovation landscape and weaken the free circulation of knowledge that lies at the heart of the ERA.
Parliament considers the ERA Act a crucial opportunity to address shortcomings, strengthen governance, elevate European research, provide greater clarity and reinforce the “fifth freedom”. It should complement the voluntary coordination of the ERA Policy Agenda with a more consistent, results-oriented and future-proof governance framework supporting research excellence and Europe’s innovation capacity and creation of quality employment.
In this context:
1. What type of legal act does the Commission consider best suited to ensure the objectives of Article 179 of TFEU and achieving uniform application across Member States to reduce fragmentation of the single market and stimulate private investment into R&D, as well as strengthen governance and enable consistent progress towards a more integrated and competitive ERA? Does the Commission plan to draft an independent legislative proposal protecting the freedom of scientific research?
2. How does the Commission envision the ERA Act contributing meaningfully to achieve at the Union target of at least 3% of EU GDP investment in R&D and to mobilise private capital alongside public funding?
3. What mechanisms does the Commission envisage to encourage coordinated national strategies and to improve the overall efficiency and complementarity of the European R&I funding landscape? How does the Commission plan to tackle the R&I disparities among and within the Member states? How will the ERA Act increase cooperation between universities, research organisations, regions, industries and Member States? How will the ERA Act strive to ensure balance between basic and applied research?
4. What specific measures will the Commission propose to improve the attractiveness, stability, mobility and overall quality of research careers in Europe, while also safeguarding an inclusive and attractive global research community, the freedom of scientific research and institutional autonomy?
5. How will the forthcoming ERA Act promote the free and secure circulation of knowledge and technology across the Union, while ensuring responsible knowledge valorisation, research security, ethical standards, and the effective dissemination of publicly funded research while protecting intellectual property rights? In addition, how does the Commission plan to design the ERA Act in close alignment with related existing and upcoming EU initiatives and funding mechanisms to mutually reinforce one another?
Submitted: 23.2.2026
Lapses: 24.5.2026