Ninth Meeting of the Expert Group on Directional Initiatives
The Commission Expert Group on the Design and Selection of Directional Initiatives met in Brussels in a hybrid format on 24 June 2026. The meeting focused on the methodology for designing a future portfolio of European Partnerships. The group discussed how consultation input could be screened for strategic gaps, consolidated where topics overlap and organised into broader thematic clusters. These clusters would then be prioritised according to their relevance to European competitiveness and societal challenges.
Several possible portfolio configurations were considered. The discussion centred on balancing continuity with a sharper strategic focus, while preserving public value and ensuring that the portfolio remains manageable and feasible to implement. The meeting minutes do not set out a final architecture; the methodology is still being refined.
The group also reviewed a framework for assessing thematic areas and emerging criteria for future European Partnerships. Members supported distinguishing mandatory "must" criteria from prioritisation "should" criteria. Assessments would need to consider both individual partnerships and the portfolio as a whole, including governance, expected impact, financing, ecosystem mobilisation and strategic coherence. The criteria are intended to support both selection and future monitoring.
Cross-cutting considerations included societal acceptance of emerging technologies, resilience and security, and renewable energy. The group discussed how such issues could be addressed across the portfolio rather than treated only as separate partnership areas.
Work will continue on the portfolio methodology, thematic assessment framework and partnership criteria. These elements will feed into the expert group's final report, alongside illustrative portfolio configurations and recommendations for implementation.
For context, read ERA-LEARN's earlier overview of the expert group and our background on Horizon Europe 2028-34 (FP10).