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Published on | 3 weeks ago
ProgrammesThe European Commission has opened a public consultation on the future of Joint Undertakings, Article 185 initiatives and other thematic priorities for the European Partnership portfolio under Horizon Europe 2028-2034. The consultation is open to all and seeks views on how treaty-based partnerships could be strengthened in the next EU research and innovation programme. It closes on 16 October 2026.
This consultation assesses the impact of and explores the future framework for treaty-based partnerships, also known as Institutionalised Partnerships, such as Joint Undertakings and Article 185 initiatives, within the broader framework of European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 2028-2034.
The consultation is open to researchers, industry representatives, Member States, Associated Countries, and the wider public.
Interested stakeholders can review the consultation documents and submit feedback until 16 October 2026 through the European Commission's Have Your Say Portal.
Background
The European Commission's proposal for Horizon Europe under the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028-2034) introduces important changes to the way European Partnerships are established and implemented. Treaty-based partnerships, such as Joint Undertakings and Article 185 initiatives, will only be used in exceptional cases. By default, partnerships will be tripartite, bringing together the EU, Member States and Associated Countries, and industry around shared strategic priorities.
What are treaty-based partnerships?
Treaty-based partnerships, also known as Institutionalised Partnerships, include Article 187 Joint Undertakings (JUs) and Article 185 initiatives. They are key instruments in the EU research and innovation funding landscape, bringing together different actors around shared strategic priorities.
What are the Joint Undertakings?
Joint Undertakings are partnerships between the European Union and industry and/or Member States. Under the current MFF (2021-2027), there are nine Joint Undertakings:
What are Article 185 initiatives?
Article 185 initiatives are Public-Public Partnerships between Member States (and Associated Countries) and the EU. Under the current MFF (2021-2027), there are two such initiatives:
For more information on the European Partnership landscape, visit the NCP Flanders overview of the partnerships.
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The Stargate project obtained funding under the special Green Deal call of Horizon 2020, more in particular under the topic of “green ports and airports”. It received the maximum score of the evaluators and was selected out of more than 40 projects. Stargate’s purpose is to prove that sustainable aviation is possible and happening. It focuses on the further decarbonization of the aviation industry, the improvement of local environmental quality and the stimulation of the modal split. Together with a consortium of 21 European partners with a diverse and rich expertise (airports, community partners, knowledge institutions, consultants, local governments, …), Brussels Airports takes the lead as lighthouse airport to develop and implement innovative solutions. Results that prove successful can be deployed at the fellow airports (Toulouse, Budapest, Athens). Over the course of the coming five years, the consortium will exchange knowledge to investigate and realize more than 30 concrete projects.
