The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the proposed European Research Area (ERA) Act, inviting stakeholders and the general public to share their views via the Have Your Say portal. This consultation is part of the process to prepare a future legislative proposal aimed at addressing persistent challenges in the EU’s research and innovation landscape. 

The consultation follows an earlier call for evidence and seeks input on the obstacles preventing the full achievement of the European Research Area, such as fragmented regulatory frameworks, uneven research and development (R&D) investment, and barriers to the free movement of researchers, knowledge and technology across the EU. Contributions will support the identification of possible legislative responses and priorities for the ERA Act. 

The planned ERA Act is expected to promote greater policy alignment between EU and Member State R&I investments, reinforce conditions for researchers including mobility and career development, and uphold fundamental values like scientific freedom and open science. Stakeholders across sectors are encouraged to participate during the 12-week consultation period, which runs until 23 January 2026 after translations into all EU official languages become available.