European Commission opens public consultation on future European Partnerships
The European Commission has opened a public consultation on the future design of European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 2028-2034. The consultation covers two closely connected processes: the preparation of a future Single Basic Act for Joint Undertakings as well as any potential basic acts to establish Article 185 TFEU initiatives and the development of the broader portfolio of European Partnerships under the next EU research and innovation framework programme. The consultation is open until 16 October 2026.
The Commission is seeking contributions from national and regional administrations, research and technology organisations, universities, funding agencies, industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders involved in or affected by European Partnerships.
Future framework for Treaty-based European Partnerships
One part of the consultation focuses on Treaty-based European Partnerships. These include Joint Undertakings established under Article 187 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and public-public partnerships established under Article 185.
The Commission intends to prepare a Single Basic Act covering future Joint Undertakings. Separate legal acts could be used to establish any future Article 185 initiatives. The results of the consultation will contribute to the impact assessment supporting these legislative proposals.
The questionnaire asks respondents to assess five potential areas for improvement in the current system:
- support for the development, uptake and deployment of new technologies and solutions;
- the mobilisation of private co-investment;
- alignment with the EU’s strategic priorities;
- cooperation and knowledge exchange between partnerships and other research and innovation initiatives; and
- the accessibility of partnerships for new members and funding applicants.
Shaping the future partnership portfolio
A second part of the consultation addresses the entire portfolio of European Partnerships, irrespective of their implementation model.
Stakeholders are asked what principles should guide the development of the portfolio. Suggested considerations include a clear strategic rationale, coherent thematic structuring, the avoidance of overlaps and fragmentation, a value-chain approach and an appropriate balance between long-term stability and the flexibility to respond to emerging priorities.
Respondents can propose thematic areas in which European Partnerships would be essential to:
- consolidate areas where Europe already has a strong international position;
- strengthen areas where Europe is currently weaker than its global competitors; or
- address major societal, environmental and systemic challenges requiring coordinated European action.
For each proposed thematic area, respondents can also explain whether it should be addressed through a Treaty-based partnership or through a Work Programme-based partnership.
Under the Commission’s proposal for Horizon Europe 2028-2034, Work Programme-based partnerships would be the default implementation model. Treaty-based partnerships would be used only in exceptional cases where the scale, complexity and strategic importance of the objectives justify a more structured instrument. European Partnerships would also be tripartite by default, bringing together the EU, Member States and Associated Countries, and industry or other relevant partners around shared priorities.
How to participate
The consultation is open until 16 October 2026. Contributions can be submitted in any of the EU’s 24 official languages. An EU Login account is required to access and complete the online questionnaire.
The Commission plans to publish a factual summary of the responses within eight weeks of the consultation closing. The legislative proposal for the future Single Basic Act is expected at the end of 2026 or in early 2027.
Respond to the public consultation on the European Commission’s Have Your Say portal
Read the European Commission’s background article on the consultation