Council of the EU endorses new ERA Policy Agenda, EUA expresses support and readiness to contribute

The new ERA Policy Agenda builds on the progress made under the 2022–2024 cycle and provides a renewed impetus to deepen the ERA and strengthen its alignment with the evolving needs of research and innovation across Europe.

As a long-standing advocate for a strong and inclusive ERA, EUA particularly values the continued commitment to a collaborative and co-creative approach. The ERA Forum has played a vital role in enabling joint work and dialogue between the European Commission, member states and stakeholders. EUA looks forward to maintaining this collaborative spirit and strengthening the Forum’s role in steering and supporting the implementation of new ERA structural policies and actions. It is equally important that stakeholders continue to be engaged not only as observers, but as active contributors throughout the process.

Implementation of the 2022–2024 ERA Policy Agenda varied across actions, with some actions very successful and others less so. Active stakeholder engagement in actions 3 (research assessment), 4 (research careers), 5 (gender equality and inclusiveness), 7 (knowledge valorisation) and 17 (research management) contributed to their successful implementation, together with clear roadmaps and systematic and transparent developments of outputs. This in turn demonstrates the value of inclusive and well-coordinated action. EUA recommends emulating these good practices across the entire set of structural policies and actions in the new agenda, with a view to improving their design and impact.

At the same time, EUA underlines the need for sustainable and predictable funding at both national and European levels. Adequate investment is essential for delivering on the ambitions of the ERA, enabling universities and other research actors to plan long-term and fulfil their missions. In addition, closer alignment and coordination with the European Education Area (EEA) and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are necessary to achieve the fifth freedom, i.e. the free movement of research, innovation, knowledge and education. Universities should play a central role in this regard, as places where education, research, innovation and service to society come together.

Finally, EUA looks forward to the start of the implementation process and would welcome timely clarification regarding next steps, timelines and mechanisms for coordinated action. Universities are ready to contribute to the success of the ERA, as trusted partners in strengthening Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem.