The European Commission has launched a call for applications to expand the European Community of Practice on Partnership (ECoPP). This initiative aims to strengthen collaborative governance across Europe by bringing together diverse stakeholders to shape EU policy implementation. The current call specifically seeks to enhance geographical balance and diversify representation across stakeholder types and fields of expertise.

Understanding the ECoPP’s Role and Composition

The European Community of Practice on Partnership serves as a crucial platform for improving collaborative governance across European Union programs.

• Established in April 2022, the ECoPP operates under multiple Directorates-General including Regional and Urban Policy, Employment, and Agriculture.

• The community’s mandate focuses on exchanging partnership practices, stimulating capacity building, and reviewing the application of partnership principles.

• Current membership includes 158 representatives from Member State authorities and various partner organizations across Europe.

• The group works to ensure investments remain transparent while strengthening local ownership of programs and projects.

• Through this expansion, membership will increase to 200 representatives, with particular emphasis on enhancing partner representation.

Priority Areas for New Membership Applications

This call specifically targets applications from partner categories that are currently under-represented within the community’s composition.

• Geographical Priority: Applications are particularly encouraged from Malta, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Greece, Denmark, Cyprus, Slovenia, Ireland, Netherlands, Latvia, Hungary, Germany, France, Finland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, Estonia, and Austria.

• Stakeholder Priority: The call seeks greater representation from research organizations, universities, economic partners, European umbrella organizations, CSOs, NGOs, social partners, and regional/urban/local authorities.

• Sectoral Priority: Stakeholders active in competitiveness, innovation, greening of the economy, decarbonization, industrialization, youth, digital transformation, technology, agriculture, and rural development are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Balanced Representation: While prioritizing under-represented groups, the selection process will maintain overall balance across all membership categories.

• Member State authorities continue to be nominated through Permanent Representations rather than through this open call.

Application Requirements and Selection Criteria

The application process requires specific documentation and demonstrates clear eligibility requirements for prospective members.

• Required Documents: Applications must include a one-page cover letter explaining motivation and potential contribution, a completed classification form (Annex I), and a completed selection criteria form (Annex II).

• Representative Qualifications: Each nominated representative must provide a curriculum vitae, preferably in European format, not exceeding three pages.

• Selection Criteria: Assessment will prioritize relevant competence and experience in EU-funded program governance, sufficient English language proficiency (B2 level or equivalent), and demonstrated expertise in partnership principles.

• Registration Requirement: Appointed organizations must be registered in the EU Transparency Register before formal appointment can occur.

• Application Deadline: The call remains open until December 31, 2025, with applications assessed on an ongoing basis throughout this period.

Operational Framework and Member Responsibilities

Selected members will participate in a structured working environment with clearly defined expectations and support mechanisms.

• Term Duration: Appointed members will serve until the end of 2027, remaining in office until replaced or until their term concludes.

• Meeting Requirements: The group typically meets at least once annually, either in person or online, with working documents and discussions conducted in English.

• Active Participation: Members are expected to attend meetings systematically, contribute to discussions, participate in preparatory work, and potentially serve as rapporteurs on specific topics.

• Expense Reimbursement: While members serve without remuneration, the Commission reimburses travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with standard Commission provisions.

• Transparency and Confidentiality: Members are subject to professional secrecy obligations while operating within the EU’s transparency framework for personal data protection.

Submission Process and Next Steps

The application process follows a straightforward electronic submission procedure with continuous evaluation.

• Submission Method: Applications must be sent via email to EC-ECOPP@ec.europa.eu, with the email date considered the submission date.

• Language Requirement: All application materials must be completed in English to ensure consistent evaluation.

• Ongoing Assessment: Applications received before the December 31, 2025 deadline will be assessed continuously rather than in a single batch.

• Selection Notification: The most suitable applicants will receive acceptance letters followed by formal appointment by the Director-General of DG Regional and Urban Policy.

• Further Information: Additional inquiries can be directed to the dedicated email address: EC-ECOPP@ec.europa.eu.

This expansion of the European Community of Practice on Partnership represents a significant opportunity for diverse stakeholders to contribute to the evolution of partnership principles across European Union programs. By ensuring broader representation and diverse expertise, the ECoPP will continue to strengthen collaborative governance and improve the implementation of EU investments at all levels

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