ECAS Report Highlights Push for Fifth Freedom in European Research Area
The European research landscape is evolving rapidly, and a new report from the European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) is shining a spotlight on the urgent need to formalise the free movement of knowledge as the European Union’s fifth freedom. Released in June 2026, the publication draws on a survey of researchers across EU member states and reveals strong backing for removing barriers to cross-border collaboration, mobility, and open science within the European Research Area (ERA).
Understanding the Fifth Freedom Concept
The idea of a “fifth freedom” builds on the EU’s four foundational freedoms of the single market — goods, services, capital, and people. In the context of research and innovation, it refers to the free movement of knowledge, researchers, data, and ideas. The ECAS report positions this freedom as essential for strengthening the ERA and ensuring Europe remains competitive globally in science and technology.
Researchers surveyed by ECAS consistently identified mobility restrictions, fragmented funding systems, and limited recognition of qualifications as major obstacles. The report argues that formal recognition of the fifth freedom would create a more cohesive framework, similar to how the single market operates in other sectors.
Key Findings from the ECAS Survey
The ECAS survey captured responses from hundreds of researchers working in universities, research institutes, and industry across the EU. Overwhelming majorities supported the creation of dedicated legal and policy mechanisms to facilitate easier movement of personnel and knowledge. Respondents highlighted practical challenges such as visa complications for non-EU researchers, inconsistent social security coverage during mobility periods, and difficulties in transferring research grants between countries.
Particular emphasis was placed on early-career researchers and postdoctoral fellows, who often face the steepest barriers when seeking positions abroad. The report notes that these obstacles not only hinder individual careers but also slow collective progress on major European research priorities, including climate change, health, and digital transformation.
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Implications for European Universities and Researchers
European universities stand to benefit significantly from stronger implementation of the fifth freedom. Institutions in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden already host large numbers of international researchers, yet many report ongoing administrative burdens. The ECAS findings suggest that harmonised rules could reduce these burdens and attract more talent from both within and outside the EU.
For individual academics and PhD candidates, clearer pathways would mean greater access to collaborative projects, shared infrastructure, and joint degree programmes. The report also stresses the importance of supporting researchers who wish to return to their home countries after periods abroad, ensuring that mobility does not become a one-way street.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Policy Context
The European University Association (EUA) has welcomed the ECAS report and called for the forthcoming ERA Act to include robust provisions for the fifth freedom. EUA emphasises that member states must move beyond voluntary commitments and adopt binding measures to achieve genuine free movement of knowledge.
European Commission officials have similarly highlighted the fifth freedom as a cornerstone of the new ERA Policy Agenda. The ECAS publication arrives at a timely moment, coinciding with ongoing consultations on the ERA Act and efforts to strengthen Horizon Europe’s successor programme.
Challenges Remaining in Achieving the Fifth Freedom
Despite widespread support, significant hurdles remain. Differences in national research funding systems, intellectual property rules, and data protection frameworks continue to complicate cross-border work. The report notes that smaller member states and those with less developed research infrastructures often feel left behind in mobility schemes.
Gender and diversity considerations also feature prominently. Female researchers and those from underrepresented groups report additional barriers related to family responsibilities and career progression during international moves. ECAS recommends targeted support measures to ensure the fifth freedom benefits all researchers equitably.
Future Outlook and Recommended Actions
The ECAS report concludes with a series of actionable recommendations for EU institutions, national governments, and research organisations. These include establishing a dedicated mobility fund, creating a European researcher passport, and embedding open science principles into all ERA initiatives.
Looking ahead, the coming months will be critical as the ERA Act takes shape. Researchers and university leaders are encouraged to engage with ongoing consultations to ensure the final legislation reflects the practical needs identified in the ECAS survey.
Conclusion
The ECAS report on the Fifth Freedom in the European Research Area provides compelling evidence that researchers across Europe are ready for a more integrated and mobile research environment. By addressing longstanding barriers, the EU can unlock the full potential of its scientific community and reinforce its position as a global leader in research and innovation.
