20 Jan 2026
ESFRI publishes concept paper on strengthening ERIC framework
ESFRI, the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures, has published a new concept paper examining how the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) legal framework can be further strengthened to better support pan-European Research Infrastructures.
Adopted in 2009, the ERIC framework has enabled the successful establishment and operation of numerous multinational Research Infrastructures. However, experience over more than a decade has also revealed structural, operational, and sustainability challenges that may limit its full potential.
To address these issues, ESFRI convened an ad-hoc Reflection Group (RG) tasked with reviewing the ERIC framework and proposing targeted improvements. The paper presents strategic and operational recommendations addressed to Member States and Associated Countries, the European Commission, and ERICs, with implementation resting on the respective competent stakeholders.
The recommendations focus on three key areas:
- Integration of ERIC elements, including personnel mobility, national node integration, and legal harmonisation;
- Stronger relationships with stakeholders, enhancing cooperation with industry, public actors, academia, and emerging structures such as EDICs and Technology Infrastructures;
- Long-term sustainability of ERICs, with emphasis on stable funding, strategic planning, and infrastructure upgrades.
The concept paper contributes to ongoing discussions on the future governance, resilience, and impact of European Research Infrastructures.
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