Commission calls on innovators and researchers to shape the future European Research Area Act
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence for the upcoming European Research Area Act (ERA), which will address the remaining challenges in establishing a single market for researchers, knowledge, and technology—often referred to as the EUs fifth Freedom.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: We must build a true ‘fifth EU freedom to drive innovation, secure our position as a global scientific leader, and encourage researchers to choose Europe for their career. We want to hear from research and innovation communities, private-sector businesses and SMEs, and all other parties interested in how best to build a competitive, attractive and fair research and innovation framework.
The ERA Act, expected to be adopted in the second half of 2026, will focus on harmonising research and development (R&D) investments, reducing disparities, and aligning R&D policies across Member States. It will improve conditions for the circulation of knowledge, and for research and researchers, while safeguarding fundamental European research values like scientific freedom and gender equality.
The initial step in the consultation process is the call for evidence, open until 10 September 2025 on the ‘Have your Say portal. A 12-week public consultation will follow on the same portal.
(For more information: Lea Zuber — Tel. + +32 2 295 62 98; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
Commission takes step on digitalisation and artificial intelligence of the energy sector
The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation to seek input on the scope and content of its Strategic roadmap on digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) of the energy sector.
The Strategic roadmap, which was mandated by President Ursula von der Leyen in Commissioner Dan Jørgensens mission letter and later announced in the Affordable Energy Action Plan, will accelerate the uptake of digitalisation and AI in the energy sector while improving energy efficiency and system reliability. Envisaged for adoption next year, the initiative will set out measures to prepare for the energy system of tomorrow, looking into both challenges and opportunities linked to the large-scale deployment of AI solutions in the energy sector.
The Strategic roadmap will build on the EU Action Plan on digitalising the energy system adopted in 2022 and will exploit synergies with upcoming initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency Roadmap, the Grids Package, the Citizens Energy Package, the Electrification Action Plan and the Heating and Cooling Strategy. This initiative will also complement the Commissions ongoing efforts in the field of AI such as the AI Act and the AI Continent Action Plan.
Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen said: To fast forward the twin green and digital transitions, we need an energy system that is smarter and more interactive. Digital technologies, including AI, can accelerate our transition to a cleaner and more efficient energy system. With the Strategic Roadmap, we will make it happen for the benefit of EU consumers.”
Interested parties can reply to the questionnaire and provide supporting evidence until 5 November.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Cristiana Marchitelli - Tel.: +32 2 298 94 07)
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