Member states want bigger say on ERA

EU countries should have a greater role in directing the development of the European Research Area, national research ministers have said.

According to national representatives meeting at the Competitiveness Council, policymakers need to reassess the way in which the ERA initiative is governed, to give member states more say over the policy. In conclusions adopted on 5 December, the ministers argue that “a fully functioning ERA needs a well-structured and effective governance with a more enhanced role of member states”.

To this end, the European Research Area and Innovation Committee, made up of representatives from each country, should propose a new governance structure by 2015, states the Council.