Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, in her speech at the State of the Union Citizens' Rights Conference organized by the European Citizen Action Service, outlined a comprehensive vision aimed at removing barriers to the free movement of knowledge and researchers within the European Union by 2028. Zaharieva emphasized the concept of the "Fifth Freedom," an extension beyond the traditional four freedoms of the Single Market, focusing on free movement of scientific knowledge as a crucial factor for EU competitiveness and democratic resilience.
Concrete Legislative Measures Zaharieva announced the upcoming European Research Area (ERA) Act, described as an ambitious legislative initiative focused on four key areas: improving careers and mobility for researchers, embedding scientific freedom and gender equality values into law, enhancing coordination between EU-wide and national research budgets, and boosting investment to meet the 3% research intensity target. She proposed tangible steps such as introducing a voluntary European model research contract, mutual recognition of doctoral degrees, joint doctoral programs, and default open access to publicly funded research.
Policy Orientations and Institutional Implications The ERA Act signals a move toward increased EU-level regulation and harmonization in the research sector, potentially expanding EU powers over national research agendas. It advocates strengthening scientific freedom through enforceable safeguards across Member States, aligning with commitments to gender equality. Coordination efforts hint at reducing fragmentation by aligning national budgets with EU funds, while investment incentives aim to increase national and private sector research spending.
Stakeholder Impact Analysis Researchers and academic institutions stand to benefit from more predictable career pathways and enhanced mobility, although uptake of voluntary contracts remains optional. National authorities may face pressure to better align budgets and policies with EU goals, possibly challenging national sovereignty over research priorities. EU producers and innovative startups could gain from improved knowledge exchange and talent mobility, enhancing competitiveness. EU taxpayers might see increased funding directed to R&D, reflecting a financial trade-off favoring research growth over short-term budget restraint.
In summary, Commissioner Zaharieva’s speech details a policy push for stronger EU integration in research and innovation regulations, with concrete proposals aiming to institutionalize the Fifth Freedom by 2028, balancing increased EU coordination with respect for national institutional diversity.
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