The European Commission has opened a public consultation inviting researchers, industry players, national governments and citizens to help shape the next generation of European Partnerships in research and innovation.
Published by the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation on 10 July 2026, the consultation focuses on a future Single Basic Act (SBA) that would govern Joint Undertakings (JUs) and Article 185 initiatives, as well as broader thematic priorities for the European Partnership portfolio under Horizon Europe 2028-2034. The exercise is tied to preparations for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and the upcoming research and innovation programme.
Goals of the reform
The proposed SBA is designed to make Joint Undertakings more open and accessible, attract greater private investment, build critical mass around EU priorities, and better coordinate strategic efforts. A key aim is to align JUs with the European Competitiveness Fund so that EU funding supports the entire pipeline from basic research through to industrialisation and market uptake.
Under the Commission’s broader proposal for Horizon Europe 2028-2034, partnerships would generally follow a tripartite model involving the EU, Member States/Associated Countries and industry. Treaty-based instruments like JUs and Article 185 initiatives would be reserved for exceptional cases where the scale and strategic importance of the objectives warrant a more structured approach.
Who can participate
The Commission is encouraging input from a broad range of stakeholders, including national and regional administrations, universities, research institutions, industry associations, technology centres, SMEs, start-ups and civil society groups.
How to take part
The consultation is available on the Have your say portal and will be open in all 24 official EU languages. It runs until 16 October 2026, and a factual summary report will follow eight weeks after closing.
Next steps
Findings will feed into the Commission’s impact assessment for the future JU framework. The process also includes targeted consultations with Member States, industry and existing partnerships, alongside a full impact assessment. A legislative proposal is expected by late 2026 or early 2027.
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