ERAC to discuss European Partnerships under the next Framework Programme in October
The European Research Area and Innovation Committee (ERAC) will meet in Dublin on 12-13 October 2026. The committee will exchange views on priority areas for European Partnerships under the next Framework Programme, Horizon Europe 2028-2034 (FP10).
The European Commission will present an emerging portfolio configuration: a draft set of 19 proposed partnership areas, reflecting choices on prioritisation and thematic aggregation. The configuration is work in progress and not a final Commission proposal. According to the additional document prepared for the meeting, it covers or provides a pathway for addressing around 80% of the thematic suggestions gathered from Commission services, Member States and Associated Countries during the consultations.
Delegations will discuss whether the emerging portfolio provides a sufficiently focused basis for areas where a partnership approach brings clear added value. They will also consider the most appropriate format for collecting expressions of interest and commitments from prospective partners.
The configuration will continue to evolve in light of the discussion, further exchanges with Member States and Associated Countries, advice from the Commission's independent Expert Group on the Design and Selection of Directional Initiatives, and the results of the public consultation, which closes on 16 October 2026.
The Council's background note outlines work towards a more focused portfolio based on research and innovation needs, drawing on input from Member States and Associated Countries through the Partnership Knowledge Hub.
The indicative timetable envisages convergence on the portfolio by the end of 2026, preparations for selecting partnerships during 2027 and their launch in 2028.
Read the meeting agenda (CM 3860/26) and the background note on European Partnerships (12951/26) and the additional document on the emerging portfolio configuration (13355/26).
More information on Partnerships in Horizon Europe 2028-2034 (FP10) is available here.