Are we finally going to see a United States of Europe for research?

Envision a continent where researchers, infrastructure, funding, and strategy function as components of a singular, highly coordinated system: talent flows freely, significant facilities are utilized collaboratively without bureaucratic hindrances, funding is synchronized across borders, and Europe presents a unified front when vying with the US or China for scientific supremacy. For decades, this vision — frequently referred to as the European Research Area (ERA) or, in more general public discourse, a “United States of Europe for research” — has been discussed, planned, and partially realized. However, in 2024–2025, it transitioned from mere aspiration to concrete policy once more, prompting the inquiry for students and early-career researchers: is it now a reality — or still merely a dream?

Understanding the ERA concept

The ERA does not represent a singular legislative authority — it embodies an EU ambition and policy framework aimed at establishing a “single, borderless market for research, innovation, and technology.” In practical terms, this entails improved alignment of national research policies, enhanced mobility for researchers, shared infrastructures, coordinated priorities, and diminished administrative obstacles to pan-European initiatives. The objective: to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and efficiency by mitigating fragmentation.

Reasons why 2024–25 appears distinct

Two factors have recently altered the tone: renewed political commitment and tangible proposals to support it. The European Commission and Member States have reached an agreement on a revitalized ERA Policy Agenda for 2025–2027, which delineates specific, actionable priorities (such as open science, research careers, infrastructures, research security, and more) and identifies collaborative actions to ensure their implementation. Concurrently, the Commission has been advocating for significantly larger, next-generation research budgets and infrastructure strategies — terminology and funding that elevate the concept of a “single market for research” beyond mere idealism.

Financial resources and infrastructure: the undeniable proof

The European Union has indicated significant increases in long-term research funding for the upcoming framework (a proposed successor to Horizon for the years 2028–2034 with a considerably larger budget) and continues to allocate robust annual work programmes that directly support mobility, career development, and extensive collaborative projects. In 2025, the Horizon work programme allocated billions to bolster transnational research priorities; additionally, the Commission has released a strategy aimed at enhancing research and technology infrastructures throughout Europe — the essential foundation for any collective research initiative. This combination of policy, infrastructure development, and financial investment renders current efforts appear more tangible than previous, more rhetorical initiatives.

Political and practical challenges that persist

Nevertheless — genuine barriers exist. Research systems, hiring regulations, grant agencies, and evaluation cultures remain organized on a national level. Member States fiercely protect elements of their national budgets and the autonomy of their universities. Geopolitical considerations and the concept of 'open strategic autonomy' (Europe's ambition to achieve technological independence in critical sectors) occasionally drive nations towards competition with partners instead of collaboration. The complexity of administrative processes, variations in national legislation (regarding data, employment, intellectual property), and disparities in research capabilities among member states further hinder complete harmonization. In summary: while policy momentum has grown, the execution remains complicated and politically delicate.

What the push signifies for students and international applicants

For students and early-stage researchers, a functional ERA would be highly beneficial: it would facilitate easier cross-border transitions for PhD and postdoctoral positions, provide more accessible fellowships, establish common standards for career progression and research evaluation, and enable participation in larger transnational projects. Additionally, it would result in an increase in EU-level internships, summer schools, and exchange programs. In practical terms, one should anticipate a rise in mobility initiatives, the introduction of new EU-funded research institutions, and calls aimed at transnational consortia — these are expected to expand if the ERA agenda and broader framework budgets are put into action.

How feasible is a “United States of Europe” for research?

The term “United States of Europe” serves as a dramatic shorthand — the EU does not intend to centralize every research decision. However, if success is defined by the fluidity of researcher mobility, aligned objectives, a strong shared infrastructure, and substantial EU-level funding that directs large consortia, then the components are aligning more convincingly than they did five or ten years ago. The current distinction is that the Commission possesses both a policy timeline (ERA 2025–27 and subsequent actions) and the initial stages of a funding framework and infrastructure strategy to support it. While implementation will require time, and national politics will influence the pace and extent — the momentum is indeed tangible. What to watch next (timeline and signals)

Legislative actions regarding the implementation and governance of the ERA — these will signal whether "policy" transitions into "law."

The inter-institutional discussions concerning the upcoming long-term research framework (the successor to Horizon, 2028–2034) — the budget and scope in this context are critically important.

New initiatives and work programmes focused on cross-border research careers and infrastructures (monitor EU announcements and national research agencies for collaborative calls).

Specific infrastructure projects that officially transform into European resources instead of remaining national ones.

Quick takeaways for JAM Campus Abroad readers

* If you are considering pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in Europe, anticipate an increase in opportunities for cross-border projects and fellowships in the upcoming years.

* Develop a CV that emphasizes international collaboration: skills in multiple languages, experience with mobility, and proof of working within diverse teams will be increasingly valuable.

* Stay informed about EU funding portals and the ERC/MSCA calls — these will be the primary sources for new ERA-driven opportunities.

* Europe’s research environment is changing, yet national distinctions remain significant — choose institutions with robust cross-border networks to maximize your benefits.

A literal “United States of Europe” for research — a completely federal, centrally managed single system — is not on the horizon. However, a significantly more integrated and better-coordinated European research ecosystem is now more attainable than it has been in years. Policy agendas, new budgets, and infrastructure strategies are providing momentum; the pace will be dictated by political will and complex implementation. For students and early-career researchers, the near future holds the promise of increased transnational funding, mobility, and collaborative opportunities — making this an opportune moment to consider Europe as a truly interconnected research environment.