May 15, 2025

The following is a press release:

Local and regional leaders called for a stronger role in shaping the European Research Area (ERA) in a debate on 14 May with Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups Research and Innovation, stressing that regions are active drivers of research policy. This call was among the key messages of an opinion led by Melanie Kühnemann-Grunow (DE/PES), which advocates for research and innovation policies that better reflect local needs, tackle regional disparities, and strengthen cohesion across the EU.

During the debate, regions and cities emphasised that the 2024 Communication on ERA Implementation and the upcoming ERA Act are key opportunities to boost Europe’s research and innovation (R&I) ecosystems and to address regional disparities. They stressed that realising the full potential of the ERA requires true multi-level governance, with local and regional authorities playing an active role in shaping and implementing place-based solutions that deliver tangible benefits, in areas such as climate action, healthcare, industrial decarbonisation, and the digital transition.

Despite progress, significant R&I disparities persist across Europe’s regions. CoR members underlined that Cohesion Policy plays a crucial role in ensuring fair access to resources, fostering regional innovation, and cultivating a more balanced European research landscape. They called for better coordination between Cohesion Policy and Horizon Europe, with more support for underperforming regions. The CoR said that regional indicators should be included in the ERA Monitoring Mechanism (EMM), to help identify gaps and design more targeted, effective policies.

Local authorities advocated for stronger interregional and cross-border R&I cooperation to reduce regional innovation gaps. They urged better coordination and blending of EU funding — such as Cohesion Policy funds, Horizon Europe, Interreg, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), interregional innovation investments (I3), and the European Regional Development Fund— to develop interregional value chains and to promote knowledge sharing that actively involves underperforming regions. This entails removing administrative barriers to the mobility of researchers, enabling talent to move more freely across Europe.

Regions and cities called for the full integration of local and regional authorities into the ERA Forum, as a means to better align regional innovation strategies with EU goals. They stressed that stronger cooperation between the European Commission, Member States and regions its vital to more effectively disseminate research results and deliver tangible solutions that benefit society and businesses.

CoR members raised concerns over the EU's slow progress toward the 3% of GDP R&I investment target, urging Member States to develop clear national roadmaps to boost public funding, complemented by private-sector incentives.

Finally, as the EU prepares its next Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), regional leaders called for an ambitious, well-funded, and independent programme that effectively addresses territorial disparities and is aligned with the ERA Policy Agenda.

Quotes:

Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions. “We can unlock the full potential of Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem by bringing our communities closer to the European Research Area. I thank Commissioner Zaharieva for this exchange, where the CoR expressed that its full involvement is key to making R&I benefit everyone. A strong ERA means empowering every regional, urban and rural area to co-drive the innovation that answers Europe's social, environmental, and economic challenges."

Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation: "Regions and cities are essential to Europe’s excellence in research and innovation. Fostering collaboration, strengthening local ecosystems, and supporting diverse talent—our common efforts help position the EU as a global leader. Together, we ensure that Europe remains the most attractive destination for researchers and that science thrives at every level of our Union."

Rapporteur Melanie Kühnemann-Grunow (DE/PES), Member of the Berlin House of Representatives: "Completing the European Research Area is not just a matter of competitiveness — it's about fairness, solidarity, and opportunity for all. An ambitious and independent FP10 must empower every region, not only the frontrunners, to drive research and innovation that serves people and the planet. Public investment must lead the way to close the R&I divide, strengthen public services, and ensure no territory is left behind in Europe's green and digital future".

Background

Video and photos from the session.

In the second half of 2026, the European Commission is expected to publish the European Research Area Act (ERA Act).

The 10th Framework Programme, which will come into force in 2028 and last until 2036, is currently under discussion.

Enrico Letta's report on the single market, published in April 2024, suggests creating a fifth pillar: research and innovation.

Recommendations for the next Framework Programme (FP10) for Research and Innovation (CoR opinion, 2024).

Towards an integrated EU policy approach to support place-based innovation for the green and digital transition (CoR opinion, 2023).

A New Innovation Agenda for Europe (CoR opinion, 2022).

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The European Committee of the Regions

The European Committee of the Regions is the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives from all 27 Member States. Created in 1994 following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty, its mission is to involve regional and local authorities in the EU's decision-making process and to inform them about EU policies. The European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission consult the Committee in policy areas affecting regions and cities. To sit on the European Committee of the Regions, all of its 329 members and 329 alternates must either hold an electoral mandate or be politically accountable to an elected assembly in their home regions and cities. Click here for more details on your national delegation.