Experts warn of dangers of relying solely on European Research Area Act to protect academic freedom

Protecting academic freedom will need changes in operational practices, clear guidelines and an exchange of best practices among EU member states. Relying on the forthcoming proposal for a European Research Area (ERA) Act will not be enough on its own to address the challenge, according to speakers at a recent conference in Brussels.

At an event organised by The Guild on 20/05/2026, celebrating Academic Freedom Day, Slaven Misljencevic, Policy Officer at the European Commission's R&I department, DG RTD, said: "Honestly, a few years after the ERA Act, I think we still might have this annual meeting about academic freedom as well. I don't think everything will be sorted out. Same for the research security, because, in the end, it is very much the practical things."

Misljencevic said the ERA Act proposal was half complete and was expected to be unveiled at the end of 2026. He said that whilst legislation such as the ERA Act was an important tool, it is not enough to address all the challenges, as cybersecurity and institutional governance play a more decisive role.

Several speakers…