Open Access in the European Research Area: progress remains uneven as new report calls for more concerted action

A new independent expert report published today by the European Commission highlights that, despite notable advancement, the implementation of open access across the European Research Area remains uneven and fragmented. While progress has been made, persistent barriers continue to hinder widespread open access, and further action is needed. Over the past decade, European Union soft-law measures, national strategies, funder mandates, and, where applicable, national legislation have advanced open access. However, these efforts have not yet produced a coherent framework across the European Research Area, leaving researchers, institutions, and funders to navigate differing policies. The report provides a snapshot of the current open access landscape, offering policy recommendations to improve access to scientific publications and research data. It draws on an analysis of all 27 EU Member States and eight non-EU countries. Full Story and links to the Report here