In order to strengthen European potential in the research sector, the European Union (EU) has launched a European Research Area (ERA).

ERA's objective is to create a unified space that will allow researchers in Europe to be mobile and meet research groups from elsewhere in Europe. Research networks are thus constituted to share knowledge and establish stable cooperation as their goal.

Since its inception in 2000, several initiatives have been launched in order to allow for the progression of ERA. These include the adoption of the Framework Programmes and the launch of technological platforms, which help coordinate research activities. The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers define the general principles of the conditions for researcher mobility.

In order to improve and reinforce ERA management, several initiatives have been launched, such as the promotion of the mobility of researchers and career perspectives in the field of research. These initiatives are part of the "Ljubljana Process", which is based on a "Vision 2020" of ERA: the implementation of a 5th freedom for the Common Market, namely the free movement of researchers, knowledge and technologies.