The European Commission is working to improve open access to publicly funded research publications and data. It has established policies and initiatives to increase access, including guidelines for research funded by the European Research Council to be openly accessible within 6 months of publication. The Commission also reimburses open access publication fees for research funded under FP7. Most EU member states are pursuing open access activities but would benefit from more coordination and national strategies. Going forward, the Commission will monitor ongoing initiatives and work to establish policies for H2020 and help create a fifth freedom of knowledge movement in Europe.