The new measures proposed by the European Commission have as main goal to enable researchers, research institutions and businesses to better move, compete and co-operate across borders. Almost 80% of the research community indicated that lack of open and transparent recruitment hinders international mobility.

The European Commission has set out concrete steps that Member States should take to achieve the European Research Area (ERA), a Single Market for research and innovation in Europe. The goal is to enable researchers, research institutions and businesses to better move, compete and co-operate across borders. This will strengthen Member States' research bases, increase their competitiveness and allow them to work together more effectively to tackle major societal challenges, such as climate change, food and energy security and public health. Recently, the Commission has also published the 2012 FP7 calls for proposals covering €8,100 million for R&D projects aimed at boosting growth and employment.

With the new measures the Commission invites Member States to remove barriers to cross-border research careers in Europe, step up the pursuit of joint research agendas, enhance competitive funding for institutions and projects and invest efficiently in world-class facilities. Research stakeholder organisations are urged to define and implement principles for accessibility and portability of national grants, to publish job vacancies on a common internet portal, to fill research positions according to transparent, open and merit-based recruitment procedures and to step up links between industry and academia.

On the other hand, the Commission has also signed a Joint Statement and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with organisations representing key research organisations and research funding bodies. The proposals are a response to the deadline set by EU leaders to make the European Research Area a reality by 2014.