EP recommendations on the future of the European Research Area

On 8 July 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the future of the European Research Area in response to the European Commission's Communication on the Global Approach to Research and Innovation.

According to the resolution, the completion of the European Research Area by achieving the free movement of researchers and free circulation of scientific knowledge and technology is a key priority for the European Union. Research and Innovation is essential to enabling Europe’s recovery, to supporting and accelerating the digital and green transitions in a socially responsible manner, as well as to improve the Union’s sustainability, competitiveness and resilience.

MEPs welcome the goal of a 3 % GDP investment in R&I proposed by the European Commission. They call on Members States to increase public spending on R&I from the current average level of 0.81 % of GDP to 1.25 % in a manner coordinated across the EU. National public Research and Development (R&D) funding of joint programmes and European partnerships should be increased from below 1 % to 5 %.

MEPs also note the pivotal role of universities and academic institutions in creating vibrant R&I ecosystems. They call for the creation of synergies between higher education, research institutions and civil society organisations.

More information can be found in the official press release.