The European Commission has launched a Call for Evidence on the Have your say portal, inviting stakeholders to shape the future landscape of institutionalised European Partnerships. Open for a four-week period, this initiative arrives alongside preparations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the Horizon Europe framework programme (2028 to 2034), and the proposed European Competitiveness Fund.
Harnessing collective R&I power
European Partnerships are core components of the European Research and Innovation Framework Programme and the European Research Area. They address cross-border challenges that are too vast for individual Member States or industry players to tackle alone.
By combining public and private resources, these strategic instruments enable long-term collaboration. Industry, research organisations, Member States, and the EU pool their funding and expertise to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies, drive system change, and support key political priorities like the green and digital transitions.
Under the current Horizon Europe framework, partnerships operate through three distinct delivery mechanisms:
- Co-programmed partnerships
- Co-funded partnerships
- Institutionalised European Partnerships
A streamlined vision for 2028 to 2034
To maximise the impact of these initiatives, the Horizon Europe 2028 to 2034 proposal introduces a more streamlined approach. The Commission aims to deploy a portfolio strategy to identify a concise, highly coherent set of partnerships. These will align closely with the strategic goals of the European Competitiveness Fund.
Under this new strategy, selected partnerships will be established as Joint Undertakings via a single establishing act. This uniform legal framework will ensure harmonised operational rules and deliver clearer European added value.
How to contribute
The Commission is seeking feedback from across the research, innovation, and industrial sectors to ensure these future structures effectively leverage investment and drive competitiveness. The Call for Evidence is available on the European Commission Have your say portal for four weeks.
ERTICO encourages its partners and the wider smart mobility community to review the initiative and share their expertise to help shape the next generation of European R&I collaboration.
Sources:
European Commission. (2026, June 16). Horizon Europe – European Partnerships to be implemented as joint undertakings [Public consultation]. https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/16413-Horizon-Europe-European-Partnerships-to-be-implemented-as-joint-undertakings_en