15 Jan 2025
Partnership Knowledge Hub adopts opinion on European Partnerships under FP10
The opinion of the Partnership Knowledge Hub (PKH) on European Partnerships under the future EU Framework Programme ('FP10') was adopted in December 2024. It aims to advise the European Commission when preparing its proposal for the next Framework Programme. Consequently, the co-legislators in Parliament and Council will use this opinion as a benchmark when negotiating the future Partnership portfolio.
The PKH proposes a vision for FP10 that focuses on a stronger alignment of partnerships with EU policy objectives, improved governance and a strategic approach to the selection and improvement of administrative aspects of partnerships. The group states that boundaries between partnerships and other instruments need to be more clearly defined, with a focus on added value and complementarity. In future, partnerships should place a stronger focus on knowledge valorisation, and their role in global cooperation should be more clearly defined. There must be a clear ex-ante agreement on the “transition phase” of existing partnerships, the group says.
Furthermore, the PKH recommends to improve the selection process of Partnerships by ensuring a transparent, evidence-based process to which Member States and stakeholders make a significant contribution. This should ensure the alignment of Partnerships with strategic priorities and the commitment of all partners. New Partnerships will only be established in specific areas previously identified and agreed as FP10-wide thematic priorities.
In terms of governance and coordination, the group recommends to strengthen the role of the Strategic Programme Committee (SPC) and the PKH in the overall governance, ensure full involvement of Member States, and provide adequate support structures within the Commission. Well-structured and up-to-date information on Partnerships and their results should be available online.
An important aspect for the furture of Partnerships would be simplified implementation. The PKH advocates for a dedicated administrative framework with flexible, simplified rules for participation that distinguish Partnerships from regular R&I projects.
The opinion can be downloaded here: