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European Research Area Act

INITIATIVEResearch, Technology & Industrial Capacity

The Act Act will realise a “fifth freedom” by enabling the free movement of researchers, knowledge and technology across a single EU R&I market, anchored in TFEU Articles 179 and 182(5). It will (1) secure national commitments and new mechanisms to reach the 3% of GDP R&D target; (2) align EU–national investments and priorities around strategic technologies; and (3) upgrade framework conditions—attractive careers and mobility, open science and data access, a stronger legal basis for research infrastructures, and better knowledge valorisation. The Act will safeguard fundamental values, bolster research security, and clarify cooperation with third countries.

Status

Planned for Q3 2026.

External references

Associated strategies (2)

Siblings under Work Programme 2026Competitiveness Compass(51)

Siblings in Research, Technology & Industrial Capacity(6)