What is ERA?
What is ERA?
The European Research Area (ERA) is there to ensure a free flow of knowledge in Europe!
Its story dates back to 2000 when the European Union started to create the ERA as a vision of a developed, functional and interconnected research area without any barriers to collaboration between researchers across Europe.
The main motivation for this initiative was the need to increase European competitiveness, improving the coordination of research and innovation activities at national and European level, developing human resources and making Europe more attractive to the best scientists from all over the world. A genuine single market with free circulation of researchers, knowledge, innovation and technology allows researchers, innovators, institutions and businesses to be mobile, compete and collaborate across borders.
Since its inception, the ERA has achieved important accomplishments. The development of European Research Infrastructures, the initiation of joint research initiatives, advancements in the removal of barriers to researcher mobility, and the facilitation of open and collaborative knowledge exchange, are excellent examples of those.
Recently, the EU Member States and the European Commission have revitalized this initiative with the realignment of the „New European Research Area“ and a whole new governance of the ERA, launched by the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe. The Pact for R&I in Europe sets forth four overarching priorities for the realisation of the ERA. These priorities are specified into 20 concrete ERA Actions that form the ERA Policy Agenda for the period 2022-2024. This agenda calls upon the EU Member States and the European Commission to work together and achieve these goals through collaboration and coordination.
Interested in learning more? Visit the European Research Area Platform!
NEW on the ERA platform! Explore how Horizon Europe supports the implementation of the European Research Area. New content on ERA priorities features resources, tools, videos and calls.
Visit our ERA Initiatives page where you can find links to a wide range of initiatives supporting the implementation of the European Research Area, including projects, networks and associations.
ERA Policy Actions
The ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027 translates the vision of the European Research Area into concrete actions and long-term structural policies. Building on the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, it sets out 8 ERA Actions and 11 Structural Policies that guide Member States, Associated Countries, and stakeholders in shaping a more open, inclusive, and competitive research and innovation system. These priorities focus on open science, research careers, assessment reform, gender equality, knowledge valorisation, and societal engagement—ensuring that the ERA continues to deliver benefits for researchers, innovators, and citizens across Europe.
ERA Policy Agenda 2025-2027
ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024
ERA at 25: A Legacy of Progress and a Future of Innovation
In 2025, the European Research Area (ERA) celebrates its 25th anniversary. Since its formal launch in 2000, ERA has transformed the research and innovation landscape by creating a single market for knowledge, technology, and talent. It has broken down national barriers, encouraged mobility, and fostered collaboration across Europe.
Over the past quarter century, ERA has contributed to major advances in health, digitalisation, energy, and climate research. At the same time, it has evolved to address new challenges, from open science and research assessment to sustainability and citizen engagement. The 25-year milestone is both a moment to reflect on achievements and a starting point for renewed reforms and investment. Looking forward, ERA continues to pursue its vision of an inclusive, competitive, and globally connected research and innovation system that delivers benefits for researchers and society alike.
