The paper, submitted as an input to the ongoing ERA Act consultation, examines persistent challenges in the implementation of research assessment reform across Europe while highlighting concrete and diverse examples of effective practice.Building on these insights, it recommends that the ERA Act should (i) explicitly enshrine the principles of responsible, qualitative, and open research assessment; (ii) establish a European Research Assessment Observatory to monitor implementation, support mutual learning, and align ongoing initiatives; (iii) invest in a dedicated European initiative, (iv) propose an ERA wide national system of incentives; (v) systematize training for evaluators, panels and the stakeholders involved; (vi) ensure that all voices are included in the discussion and (vii) develop interoperable technical infrastructure that prioritises consistent, high-quality, and broad-ranging data. This document has been developedby a number of individuals interested in open science in their professional and personal capacity ("Amici Scientiae Apertae").