Last Friday, 8th December, EU member states agreed on measures to make research careers more attractive and to foster better working conditions for researchers.
The political agreement reached by the Council of the EU on the final text of the Recommendation on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe is a key element strengthening the European Research Area (ERA), in line with the most committed action of the ERA Policy Agenda 2022-2024.
This follows the Commission proposal on 13 July 2023 and is a crucial step to make research careers in Europe more attractive and sustainable. These measures will foster better working conditions for researchers in all sectors, including academia, business, industry and the public administration.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
“The heart of a robust and competitive research and innovation system lies in its researchers. The measures agreed today are vital for attracting talent to Europe, for retaining it on our continent and for ensuring a balanced talent circulation among European countries. I encourage all Member States to transform this significant document into tangible actions.”
The Council Recommendation and the new Charter for Researchers put a special focus on young and early-career researchers, to ensure they benefit from measures and incentives that can facilitate employability and careers and to attract more students and graduates to careers in research. The document also lays the grounds for making Europe an attractive destination for talents from around the world, which is crucial to respond to all societal challenges and to increase Europe’s competitiveness on the global arena.