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.
The European Commission and EU Member States have revitalised the European Research Area (ERA) through the realignment of the “New ERA” and the introduction of a renewed governance framework, launched with the Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe in 2021. The Pact defines four overarching priorities for achieving a stronger, more cohesive ERA and provides the foundation for its coordinated implementation. These priorities are translated into specific actions and policies within the ERA Policy Agenda 2022–2024 and ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027, which guide joint efforts by Member States, the Commission, and stakeholders to advance research excellence, openness, and collaboration across Europe.
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 Project Highlights page to explore EU-funded projects driving innovation and advancing the goals of a sustainable and competitive European Research Area (ERA).
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.
