EU nations adopt ‘keystone’ research agreements

Commission hails “momentous moment” as nations promise to improve research culture and defend academic freedom

EU research ministers have pledged to take action to improve the bloc’s research system, including raising investment in R&D and overhauling research assessment. But the limited scope and non-binding nature of their commitments did little to address preexisting complaints and demands from the sector.

Member state ministers adopted conclusions on the governance of the European Research Area—the EU’s policy package for raising standards and eliminating national barriers to mobility—on 26 November. These included 20 priority actions, such as reforming research assessment and bringing science “closer to citizens”.