ERAC summary report records calls for further work on future European Partnerships Portfolio
The Council of the European Union has published the summary report of the European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC) plenary held in Dublin on 12 and 13 October 2026. Delegations called for fewer but high-impact Partnerships, clearer governance and further technical work before political decisions on the emerging portfolio.
The European Commission presented the state of play on the emerging Partnerships portfolio and reiterated its objective of achieving convergence with Member States by the end of 2026. Delegations called for fewer but high-impact Partnerships to reduce complexity and improve visibility. They also highlighted barriers that smaller countries and stakeholders can face in large Partnerships. The report records strong calls for horizontal, cross-cutting Partnerships and for dedicated Partnerships in areas including the European Open Science Cloud, metrology, innovative SMEs, hydrogen, advanced materials, quantum technologies, and Arctic and polar research. Delegations also raised concerns about mainstreaming social sciences and humanities and, in particular, biodiversity across the portfolio.
The proposed Digital Leadership Partnership prompted concerns about its broad scope, governance complexity and financial requirements at national level. More generally, delegations asked for transparent selection criteria, clear governance and funding models, stakeholder involvement, predictable national co-financing and complementarity with the European Competitiveness Fund. Some said Partnerships should be used only where they offer clear added value compared with other instruments.
Delegations requested more clarity on the remaining process, the rationale for the proposed portfolio and the role of Member States in shaping goals and priorities. Several proposed further technical work before final political decisions and advised caution about seeking endorsement while negotiations remain pending. The Commission said it would provide additional background information and convene another Partnership Knowledge Hub meeting before the end of 2026.
ERAC also discussed its contribution to the wider design of the next Framework Programme. Delegations broadly supported a time-limited task force to prepare evidence-based strategic input on overall research and innovation orientations and priorities. They said work should begin immediately so that a draft report can be submitted to the next ERAC plenary in February 2027.
The meeting also covered alignment between research, innovation and industry, research with dual-use potential, and the role of research and innovation in Ukraine’s recovery.