The European Commission is inviting researchers, research organisations, public authorities, civil society, industry and other stakeholders to contribute to a public consultation on the future of European Partnerships under Horizon Europe for 2028-2034.

The consultation forms part of preparations for the next EU research and innovation framework programme and seeks evidence, experience and views on the role and functioning of Treaty-based European Partnerships, including Joint Undertakings and Article 185 initiatives. It will help inform how these partnerships are structured and implemented in the future, as well as the thematic priorities they address.

Bringing Mountain Perspectives into Future Research Priorities

For the mountain research community, the consultation provides an opportunity to highlight the distinctive research needs, challenges and opportunities associated with mountain regions, and to help ensure these perspectives are reflected as future European research and innovation priorities take shape.

Mountains are experiencing rapid and interconnected environmental and societal change, with implications extending well beyond mountain regions themselves. Issues including climate change, cryosphere loss, biodiversity, water resources, natural hazards, land use, energy, livelihoods and adaptation frequently intersect in mountain environments and require sustained interdisciplinary research, long-term observations and collaboration across regions and borders.

The MRI therefore encourages members of the mountain research community and relevant organisations to consider contributing to the consultation, bringing forward evidence and mountain-specific perspectives that could help inform the development of future European research partnerships and priorities.

How to Contribute

Responses can be submitted through the European Commission’s online questionnaire in any official EU language. The consultation is open to a broad range of stakeholders, including academia and research institutions, national and regional administrations, research and technology infrastructures, NGOs, industry and the general public.

The deadline to contribute is 16 October 2026 at midnight Brussels time.

_{Cover photo by Hristo Sahatchiev.}