Sep 03, 2026

Public Consultation – European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 2028–2034

Focus of the Public Consultation: European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 2028–2034

This public consultation focuses on the preparation of European partnerships under the new “Horizon Europe” funding program for the period 2028–2034. These include both contract-based partnerships—such as joint undertakings and initiatives—and partnerships based on work programs. The latter include the current co-programmed and co-funded partnerships. To increase efficiency, the consultation is divided into two closely related areas:

1. The development of a single basic legal act for joint undertakings
2. The identification of thematic areas to be addressed within the European partnership portfolio

Contract-based partnerships, particularly joint undertakings, are unique tools in the EU’s research and innovation funding landscape. They bring together diverse stakeholders to pursue common strategic goals. Among other things, industry, research institutions, Member States or associated countries, and the EU work together to advance the research, development, and deployment of breakthrough technologies and to enable far-reaching systemic changes. By pooling resources and expertise from public and private sources, European partnerships create a platform that mobilizes far greater investments and capabilities than individual stakeholders could achieve on their own.

This consultation is divided into three sections:

1. Contract-based partnerships
The first section focuses on partnerships based on contractual agreements. It begins by asking questions about how such partnerships currently function and about potential improvements that could be implemented under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The discussion then turns to the specific objectives of these partnerships and the policy measures required to achieve them.

2. Ideas for the Portfolio of European Partnerships
The second section aims to gather ideas and proposals. The focus is on the defining characteristics of the portfolio of European partnerships, as well as potential thematic areas that these partnerships—regardless of their implementation format—could cover during the 2028–2034 period under “Horizon Europe” (HE).

3. Questions About the Respondents and Their Participation
The final section asks questions about the participants themselves. In particular, it focuses on their previous experiences and their involvement in European partnerships (if applicable).

Objective of the consultation:

The results of this public consultation will be incorporated into the impact assessment for the future European Basic Act (EBA) on joint undertakings and, potentially, other basic acts. In addition, it supports the ongoing process of developing new thematic areas for the partnership portfolio under “Horizon Europe” 2028–2034.

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Contact at EPC: