European Partnerships are collaborative initiatives between the EU Commission and private and/or public partners, and there are three types (see below – ‘Types of EU Partnerships under Horizon Europe’). Partnerships seek to address some of the most pressing global challenges, and often align with key EU political priorities, such as the Green Deal, Europe’s digital strategy or pandemic preparedness. Partnerships make a significant contribution to achieving progress in a challenge-led area, through implementation of a collaborative research and innovation programme.
Typically, partnerships run for a 10 year period, for example Joint Undertakings that started in 2021 are set to finish by the end of 2031. Co-funded partnerships have different start and end dates, unique to each partnership.
There are 50 partnerships in Pillar II, and a further 10 partnerships in Pillar III known as EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). See the ERA-LEARN Graphic on Partnership Portfolio Timeline website for more information on the portfolio and duration of partnerships.
The total estimated commitment from Horizon Europe towards partnerships is €24.9 billion, with an additional €38.6 billion estimated to be committed by partners other than the EU.
26% of the total Horizon Europe budget is committed to European Partnerships. Within Pillar II of Horizon Europe 39.8% of the EU budget is committed to partnerships.
Types of EU partnerships under Horizon Europe
There are three types of EU Partnerships:
- Co-funded — partnerships involving EU Member States and Associated Countries, research and innovation funders and other public authorities at the core of the consortium.
- Co-programmed — partnerships between the Commission and private and/or public partners. They are based on memoranda of understanding and/or contractual arrangements, which the Commission signs with industry associations.
- Institutionalised — partnerships between the Union, EU member states and/or industry, under the legal framework of Article 187 or 185 TFEU and EIT-Regulation supported by Horizon Europe. These partnerships usually cover specific value chains, where significant integration of private and public R&I efforts is needed to drive progress in an ambitious area.
The three types of European Partnerships differ in how they are implemented and governed which enables partnerships to operate in an appropriate way to best achieve their objectives. Co-programmed partnerships are generally the simplest to prepare and implement, and the Institutionalised, the most complex. Visit the ERA-Learn website to find out more about the governance, administration and legal base.
UK involvement in Partnerships
The eligibility rules depend on each partnership and call, in particular for funding calls run by cofunded partnerships. Please refer to the call documents or contact your NCP for further information
Eligibility can vary across European Partnerships and is determined by the partnership type. Though specific requirements can differ across individual partnerships within a given category.
Co-programmed partnerships are open to everyone and follow the standard Horizon Europe participation rules. Participation is not dependent on national financial contributions, and there is no prioritisation of partnership members.
Co-funded partnerships have their own eligibility and funding arrangements. Potential applicants should consult the relevant call documentation to determine which countries and types of organisations are eligible for funding. Horizon Europe eligibility rules or costing mechanisms do not apply, please refer to the eligibility rules and costing mechanisms for each funder contributing to the call.
As an Associated Country to Horizon Europe, the UK can participate in Institutionalised partnerships, and Joint Undertakings do run calls for proposals. For more information, see UK Association in Institutionalised European Partnerships (PDF), and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Please note that exceptions may apply where funding is drawn from budget commitments made before the UK’s association to Horizon Europe.
Partnership areas
There are 50 partnerships spanning Pillar II strategic research areas, and 10 EIT KICs in Pillar III – to learn more about EIT KICs see our pages on the European Institute of Innovation and Technology. The European Commission ERA-Learn site has an excellent overview of the partnerships portfolio, which is summarised below: