The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has appointed Markku Markkula, President of Helsinki Region and former CoR President, as its representative to the European Research Area (ERA) Forum for the 2025–2027 term. In this role, he will represent all EU cities and regions, ensuring that their perspectives are fully integrated into the shaping of Europe’s research and innovation policies.
In his first comments following the appointment, Markku Markkula said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) representative to the ERA Forum for the 2025–2027 term — representing all EU cities and regions. The ERA Forum plays a central role in shaping the future of European research and innovation. It strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and ensures that knowledge flows freely across borders — transforming the ERA into a true ‘Fifth Freedom’ alongside the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people. It connects science to policy and societal needs, making research a driver for Europe’s green and digital transitions.”*
Background
The ERA Forum is a key policy platform bringing together the European Commission, Member States, and stakeholders to coordinate the European Research Area. Its mission is to deliver on Europe’s ambition to create a single, borderless area for research, innovation and knowledge.
At the inaugural meeting of the new mandate, discussions focused on:
- The ERA pillar in the forthcoming FP10 framework programme,
- Implementation of the ERA Policy Agenda 2025–2027,
- Research careers and the “Choose Europe for Science” initiative,
- The European strategy for research infrastructures, and
- Building societal trust in science as a cornerstone of democratic resilience.
Cities and regions’ perspective
Markku Markkula highlighted that, from the perspective of cities and regions, particular emphasis will be placed on Action 16 – Accelerating industrial transformation for Europe’s competitive sustainability and strategic autonomy. This work will be integrated with initiatives on Science for Policy and Unleashing the full R&I potential of Europe’s universities.
These priorities include:
- Strengthening the role of industry in research, development and innovation (RDI),
- Enhancing knowledge valorisation and research infrastructures, and
- Supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Drawing on his experience as a former CoR President, combined with his professional and political work in universities, city governance and the Finnish Parliament, Markku Markkula underlined that his goal is not only to participate but to influence, through focused and breakthrough initiatives.