Positiivselt evalveeritud teadus- ja arendusasutuste, ülikoolide ja rakenduskõrgkoolide osalemine EL raamprogrammi "Euroopa horisont" kolmanda laine partnerlustes

Lisa 2. Kolmanda laine partnerlustes osalemise küsimustik Palume T eil täita järgnev küsimustik, mille eesmärk on kaardistada Teie asutuse huvi Euroopa raamprogrammi kolmanda laine teadus- ja innovatsioonipartnerlustes osalemise vastu. Enne küsimustiku täitmist tutvuge partnerluste taustamaterjaliga. Palun hinnake iga partnerlust skaalal 1 10-ni, kus number 1 0 tähistab kõige kõrgemat prioriteeti ja number 1 kõige madalamat prioriteeti. Partnerluse nimi Huvi osaleda (jah / ei ) Millist lisandväärtust annab Teie asutuse hinnangul Eesti osalemine partnerluses? Asutuse võimekused (uurimisalane kompetents, taristu, varasem rahvusvaheline kogemus jms). Prioriteetsus Brain Health Climate knowledge for transitioning to climate neutral and resilient societies Enhancing Societal Preparedness and Resilience for systemIc crisis managemenT in the EU (ESPRIT-EU) Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future Emerging Enabling Information and Communication Technologies Innovative Materials for EU (“I’M for EU”) In- Orbit Demonstration and Validation Maritime Digitalisation One Health Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition Resilient Cultural Heritage Resilient Cultural Heritage : Coastal Cultural Heritage addition Social Transformations and Resilience Solar Photovoltaics Sustainable Fuels as Energy Carriers T extiles of the Future Virtual Worlds Positiivselt evalveeritud teadus- ja arendusasutused 10.10.2023 nr 10-1.1/23/4540 Ülikoolid Rakenduskõrgkoolid Positiivselt evalveeritud teadus- ja arendusasutuste, ülikoolide ja rakenduskõrgkoolide osalemine EL raamprogrammi "Euroopa horisont" kolmanda laine partnerlustes Austatud koostööpartner Euroopa Komisjon soovib liikmesriikidelt ametlikku infot selle kohta, millistes raamprogrammi „Euroopa horisont“ järgmise laine teadus- ja innovatsioonipartnerlustes riigid osalevad ning kui suur on sihtrühmade huvi. 4. oktoobri seisuga teeb Euroopa Komisjon ettepaneku luua 16 partnerlust järgnevatel teemadel: 1. Brain Health 2. Climate knowledge for transitioning to climate neutral and resilient societies 3. Enhancing Societal Preparedness and Resilience for systemIc crisis managemenT in the EU (ESPRIT-EU) 4. Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future 5. Emerging Enabling Information and Communication Technologies 6. Innovative Materials for EU (“I’M for EU”) 7. In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation 8. Maritime Digitalisation 9. One Health 10. Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition 11A. Resilient Cultural Heritage 11B. Resilient Cultural Heritage: Coastal Cultural Heritage addition 12. Social Transformations and Resilience 13. Solar Photovoltaics 14. Sustainable Fuels as Energy Carriers 15. Textiles of the Future 16. Virtual Worlds Palume Teil inditseerida partnerlused, milles Teie asutus soovib osaleda ning prioritiseerida neid vastavalt Teie asutuse võimekustele. Selleks palume täita lisas olev küsimustiku vorm. Haridus- ja Teadusministeerium koondab osalemise info ning esitab selle põhjal ettepaneku Teadus- ja Arendusnõukogule kinnitamiseks ning seejärel Euroopa Komisjonile. Munga 18/ 50088 Tartu/ 735 0222/ [email protected]/ www.hm.ee/ Registrikood 70000740 Tagasisidet ootame 27. oktoobriks. Juhul kui teil tekib viivitusi või küsimusi, kontakteeruge meie teadus- ja arendustegevusepoliitika osakonna peaeksperdiga (Julia Rosend, [email protected]). Lugupidamisega (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Renno Veinthal teadus- ja arendustegevuse ning kõrg- ja kutsehariduse poliitika asekantsler Lisa: 1. Lisa 1. Kolmanda laine partnerluste ettepaneku taustamaterjal 2. Lisa 2. Kolmanda laine partnerlustes osalemise küsimustik Koopia: [email protected] Julia Rosend 735 0277 [email protected] 2 (2)  Co-funded and co-programmed European Partnerships under the second Horizon Europe Strategic Plan: Draft candidate proposals, 3 October 2023 Table of contents 1. Brain Health .................................................................................................................................. 2 2. Climate knowledge for transitioning to climate neutral and resilient societies ............................ 7 3. Enhancing Societal Preparedness and Resilience for systemIc crisis managemenT in the EU (ESPRIT-EU) .............................................................................................................................. 11 4. Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future ............................................................................ 14 5. Emerging Enabling Information and Communication Technologies ......................................... 18 6. Innovative Materials for EU (“I’M for EU”) .............................................................................. 22 7. In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation ...................................................................................... 27 8. Maritime Digitalisation ............................................................................................................... 32 9. One Health .................................................................................................................................. 35 10. Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition .................................................................. 39 11A. Resilient Cultural Heritage ........................................................................................................ 45 11B. Resilient Cultural Heritage: Coastal Cultural Heritage addition ............................................... 50 12. Social Transformations and Resilience ..................................................................................... 53 13. Solar Photovoltaics .................................................................................................................... 58 14. Sustainable Fuels as Energy Carriers ........................................................................................ 62 15. Textiles of the Future ................................................................................................................. 66 16. Virtual Worlds ........................................................................................................................... 72 Disclaimer: These drafts proposals are intended for discussion at the technical workshop with national experts and European Commission services in the context of the identification exercise of co-funded and co-programmed European Partnerships under the second Horizon Europe Strategic Plan that will take place on 11 October 2023. Any views expressed are the preliminary views of national authorities that submitted additional proposals and/or Commission services and may not in any circumstances be regarded as stating an official position of the Commission. The information transmitted is intended only for the entity or individuals to which it is addressed for discussion purposes and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. The proposed partnership portfolio and individual concept papers may be subject to further changes, and can thus not be regarded as final or endorsed. 1  1. Brain Health General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership on Brain Health European Partnerships Short description of the Accelerating the delivery of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and care candidate partnership solutions to foster brain health1 in citizens and patients, including through a better understanding of the functioning of the brain and by strengthening the alignment and synergies across European and global brain health research initiatives. Services directly involved DG RTD, SANTE, CNECT, GROW, JRC, EAC, EMPL, ENV Context and problem Brain disorders are a leading cause of disability in Europe and globally, definition putting a great burden on patients, families, caregivers and healthcare systems. The total cost of brain disorders in Europe was estimated at €798 billion in 2010. Neurodegenerative diseases and dementia affect one third of the ageing population over 85 years. Mental disorders, including addictions, affect 12% of the entire population, while neurodevelopmental disorders affect 15% of children. The COVID-19 crisis, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the energy crisis and inflation have further aggravated mental health, including for the most vulnerable. More research and innovation are needed to develop effective disease- modifying treatments or cures, improved preventive measures, better diagnostics, but also for policymakers when developing evidence-based policies, and this also requires a better understanding of the functioning of the brain. National efforts to address these challenges are insufficient, and enhanced coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders in Europe and globally are needed to tackle them collectively. Several initiatives have already been established in Europe aimed at achieving a concerted alignment and a strategic and financial defragmentation of research in brain health. These include the EU Joint Programme for Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND), the Network of European Funding for Neuroscience Research (NEURON), and the Human Brain Project (HBP), which is also putting in place the EBRAINS research infrastructure. At global level, collaborative work is ongoing with the World Health Organization and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on strengthening the knowledge base for interventions on mental health and supporting countries to improve their capacity to address mental health challenges. The initiatives have addressed research questions related to determinants of mental health, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders. They have identified major drivers, including genetic susceptibility, environmental risk factors, and limits of existing care and health systems. The improved understanding, however, needs to translate better into the development of new treatments. Simultaneously, prevention strategies have been identified as the most promising way to reduce the high personal, familial, societal, clinical, and economic costs of brain disorders. In 2019, and under the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) ‘European Brain Research Area’ (EBRA), the three initiatives JPND, NEURON and HBP/EBRAINS started discussing ways to find operational synergies, identify gaps, and foster alignment across European and global brain initiatives. In 2022, EBRA delivered a common research agenda, as input for 1 In the context of the partnership, ‘brain health’ should be interpreted as a concept that encompasses neural development, neuroplasticity, brain functioning, and recovery across the life course, including mental health and wellbeing elements. 2  a future strategic research and innovation agenda in brain health. Additionally, HBP initiated a discussion in the international community to formulate the scientific vision for the next decade of digital brain research, with particular focus on digital tools enabling progress in brain medicine. These initiatives have now acquired an invaluable experience and trust, strongly supported by the European Commission and Member States, and encompassing many international partners. In 2022, a preparatory coordination action (CSA) was requested in the Health cluster 2023-24 work programme. The CSA, expected to start in Q4 2023, should notably develop a strategic research and innovation agenda, paving the way to the brain partnership. The CSA will also be tasked with ensuring a broad geographical representation of European countries, notably to strengthen the participation of widening countries. Seizing the momentum and capitalising on cutting-edge research will unleash a powerful innovation force and create a new ecosystem for brain research, to be consolidated in an ambitious partnership on brain health, strengthening the position of European brain health research. Objectives and expected The overarching objectives are: impacts i) Finding cures for brain disorders, ii) Enabling early diagnosis iii) Ensuring access to affordable and personalised treatments to everyone, iv) Promoting evidence-based prevention at individual and community level, v) Optimising the clinical management of affected persons, including the identification and diffusion of best practices and standards, structures and care. These are framed within the wider context of the United Nation’s Sustainable Developmental Goal target 3.4 on non-communicable diseases and mental health; the World Health Organization's response to the burden posed by neurological and mental disorders; the Healthier Together - EU Non-Communicable Diseases Initiative, which includes a focus area on ‘Mental health and neurological disorders’; and the Commission Communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health, adopted on 7 June 20232. By further structuring the brain research and innovation area in Europe, major expected impacts of the partnership are the translation of research results into innovative products for earlier, more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatments, more adapted and successful prevention and care strategies, including the identification of best practices, and better implementable public health policies. The partnership will thereby also contribute to the European Health Union by supporting one important goal of the revision of the pharmaceutical legislation: addressing unmet medical needs. It will also feed into the European Care Strategy for caregivers and care receivers that aims to ensure high quality, affordable and accessible care services for all ages. Steps to achieve these impacts include: - The establishment of a common roadmap with all stakeholders - The delivery of efficient strategies for industry-academia collaborations - The facilitation of data sharing and access to unique infrastructures 2 This communication draws on 3 guiding principles: to (i) have access to adequate and effective prevention, (ii) have access to high quality and affordable mental healthcare and treatment, and (iii) be able to reintegrate society after recovery. One of its flagships is to strengthen research on brain health, including on mental health by working closely with Member States to create an ecosystem, to maximise EU and Member States’ research investments. An ambitious partnership on brain health would support the implementation of this Communication. 3  - Integrating MS that do not yet have a specific brain health agenda - Strengthening collaboration with international initiatives3,4 - Further internationalisation, especially towards American and Asian countries - Better consideration of sex and gender aspects in research. Necessity test: rationale for The extent of the challenges, including the rapidly growing impact of the a European Partnership ageing European population and its declining mental health5 and the complexity of brain health, require a highly coordinated response. A long- term, holistic research and innovation strategy in brain health is necessary, which goes beyond traditional calls from the EU Framework Programmes and national programmes. The existing brain research initiatives have clearly demonstrated that bringing together all stakeholders (including Ministries of Research, research organisations, councils to Ministries of Health, health agencies, patient associations and health economists) to address the same specific issue of improving brain health can bring tremendous momentum and added value, leading to progress in research and adaptation of care. The ERANET programmes co-funded by the EC have significantly boosted the funding commitments of the participating MS and AC. It is paramount to ensure much-needed overall coordination, to prevent the deconstruction of the existing ecosystems, while there are still so many unmet brain health needs to answer. Cross-fertilisation and synergies between existing initiatives supported by the EU Framework Programmes and MS (e.g. JPND, NEURON & HBP/EBRAINS) would be best ensured by bringing/ integrating them all under one single umbrella, also ensuring economies of scale. This new partnership will seize the momentum and accelerate the creation of the largest European and global collaboration, essential to improve brain health by motivating and mobilising all the stakeholders under a common and strong transnational banner. Planned under cluster/work Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' programme part ☒ Cluster Health Currently identified links Under Cluster 1 (Health) links include the public-public (co-funded) with other partnership partnerships: Rare diseases; Personalised medicine; Transforming health candidates / Union and care systems; ERA for Health; and the public-private institutionalised programmes partnership Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) and the EIT Health. Under Cluster 2, links relate to socio-economic transformations that contribute to inclusion and growth, as well as to how culture and arts can contribute to mental health and wellbeing. There are also links with the Cancer Mission e.g. regarding how to ensure good mental health and wellbeing of cancer patients and survivors. Relevant Union programmes include: - EU4Health, which supports the Healthier Together – EU Non- Communicable Diseases Initiative (with a focus area on ‘Mental health and neurological disorders’), - the European Health Data Space (with EBRAINS research infrastructure participating as a partner in a pilot project) - Digital Europe Programme, which contributes to the deployment of a European common health data space. 3 World Health Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases 4 Entities include the global brain initiatives & the International Initiative for Traumatic Brain Injury Research (InTBIR) 5 As also recognised in the Report on the final outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe, calling to dedicate more attention to mental health 4 Previous EU initiatives and The constant improvement and growth of brain health research has been investments in the sector catalysed by several EU funded projects and initiatives of which the following are currently active: ERA-NETs: JPcofuND2 (ending 31/12/24); NEURON Cofund2 (ending 31/12/25); FET Flagship: Human Brain Project (HBP; ending 30/09/23) and its linked ERA-NET: FLAG-ERA III (ending 30/11/24) Previous initiatives (closed) include: JPND-related: JPco-fuND (01/2015 - 09/2021) & JPsustaiND CSA (11/2015 - 10/2021); NEURON-related: NEURON Cofund (01/2016 - 12/2022) & ERANET NEURON II (01/2012 - 12/2015); HBP-related: FLAG-ERA II (12/2016 - 11/2022) & FLAG-ERA (10/2013 - 11/2016); Overarching coordination & support action: EBRA (11/2018 - 10/2022). Excluding HBP and its linked FLAG-ERA ERANETs, these initiatives have an overall contribution (national + EU funding) of €117 million with an EU contribution of €39 million. For HBP, the overall contribution was €607 million with an EU contribution of €406 million. These initiatives have paved the way for an ambitious partnership, building trust and attracting new participants. They also facilitated the initiatives management, complementing national “virtual common funding pots” with a real common pot, allowing gap-filling and national budget mobilisation. Expected type and This partnership will benefit from the partners already participating in the composition of partners existing brain research initiatives and will be primarily composed of institutions and agencies that fund brain research in Europe. It will also involve other stakeholders such as patient organisations, policy makers, researchers, health care providers and practitioners, citizens, regulators and industry representatives. The governance of the partnership aims to be light, efficient, and flexible to accommodate all participants. At country level, the existing partnerships have already enrolled many MS, AC and 3rd countries. JPND has 30 participating countries, while NEURON has 23, with many countries participating in both initiatives. The new partnership should further enlarge to additional national research funding agencies. Collaborations with the USA are being strengthened, while further extension to EU13 and Asian countries is in progress. At researchers’ level, the existing initiatives have gained recognition, establishing a visible European brain research area. This unique experience and recognition have allowed institutional organisation and agencies to yearly earmark funding to participate in these initiatives. Several initiatives have enrolled patient groups, carers, and the general public in the prioritisation and the evaluation of their actions, and this will be strengthened. The partnership also aims to increase the participation of private and industry stakeholders, also through strengthening links with other initiatives like the IHI, but also by attracting SMEs involved in care and treatment innovation. Regulators from European and state agencies, OECD and other major players in the field of policy regulations will also be encouraged to participate. Collaboration with non- profit and non-governmental organisations will also be sought. Additionally, efforts will be made to boost the exploitation of research and innovation results by reaching out to other national ministries, in charge of e.g. health, industry or employment policies. Contributions and Using the overall contributions (national + EU funding) of the main commitments expected partnerships (JPND, NEURON, HBP) under Horizon 2020, a sum of from partners €77 million/year has been observed (● JPND: €66 million over 7 years = €9 million/year ● NEURON: €49 million over 7 years = €7 million/year ●HBP: €607 million over 10 years = ~€ 61 million/year) and could therefore be foreseen for the brain health partnership.[National contributions were: ● 5  JPND: €43 million over 7 years = €6 million/year ● NEURON: €35 million over 7 years = €5 million/year ● HBP: €201 million over 10 years = €20 million/year.] Tentative Union Depending on future discussions with Member States and Associated contribution for the entire Countries regarding their commitments, an EU contribution in the range of duration of the partnership €100-150 million is expected. (in EUR millions) Currently envisaged implementation mode(s). Co-funded European Partnership Justification of the The co-funded mode of collaboration with the EC will offer a high and implementation mode attractive European and global visibility. An invaluable leverage effect in the amount of funds mobilised by the participants is to be expected, as already illustrated by the Horizon 2020 co-funded partnerships of JPND and NEURON, which have also together many invaluable years of experience with such a collaboration model. As such, the partnership will be able to compete with other global partnerships in brain research (US, Japan, China…). Duration Subject to future discussions with Member States and Associated Countries, a duration of 7-10 years is proposed, starting in 2025. 6  2. Climate knowledge for transitioning to climate neutral and resilient societies Lead FR Short description: Co-funded partnership. An urgent need exists for an integrated Please provide a short knowledge base to achieve Europe's climate goals as stated in description of the scope, the recently released IPCC 6th Assessment Report. This support the possible objectives is crucial for effective decision-making and transformative and their relevance for action across industry and society. Horizon Europe's Climate knowledge is currently scattered among initiatives that, expected impacts, the in their focus on specific systems or sectors, often overlook the current state of play, and consequences of acting and does not account for compound risks the type of partners you emerging from interactions of climatic and non-climatic factors. would consider necessary These challenges request better coordination through a (private and/or public partnership “Climate knowledge for transitioning to climate sector partners): neutral and resilient societies” between the European Commission, Member States, and Associated Countries. It will play a coordinating role in providing a solid integrated climate change knowledge base across Europe and contribute to the mission-oriented deployment of the Horizon Europe budget to achieve EU Climate targets. Directionality: Please The Partnership aims to accelerate knowledge generation and explain the expected transfer from science to climate policy and action. It supports objectives and impacts of the implementation of EU policies such as Climate Law, this proposal and their Climate Neutrality and Green Deal. It builds on existing relevance for EU policy Partnerships and Missions adding value by integrating their priorities. sectoral/topical outcomes within a global framework to provide integrative solutions for climate change adaptation-mitigation- resilience. It develops a polar approach not present in the others partnership. Main objectives: 1-Address critical gaps in understanding climate processes and human impacts including rare, high-impact events and the role and climate sensitivity of polar areas; 2-Provide guidance for assessing and managing climate risks, including economic and social ones, cascading ones and compound risks, to inform EU policies and support climate plans; 3-Support EU-level model intercomparison experiments to enhance global climate model development as a basis for GHG management strategies; 4-Advance research on carbon management strategies, seeking feasible and sustainable Carbon Dioxide Removal solutions; 7  5-Understand the political economy of climate policy and the role of financial markets in transformative innovation; 6-Analyze geopolitical consequences of climate policies and climate change impacts in the mid and long term. Attention will be given to integrate climate knowledge from natural and social sciences & humanities and to accelerate knowledge transfer and the tacking account the polar field. The Partnership envisions flagship projects supported by living labs in regions facing high climate change risks: polar and sub-polar areas, Alpine areas, the Mediterranean region. Additionality: Please The Partnership will develop and transfer new knowledge across explain the EU added HEU Clusters, existing and upcoming Partnerships and HEU value of the proposed Missions on unprecedented climate change, compound risks and candidate. cascading impacts, as well as on mitigation-adaptation win-win strategies. The framework of a partnership allows for concentrated efforts within a stable funding structure, consolidating the fragmented climate research investments across the European Research Area. By gathering the main research funders and performing organizations across Europe, it enables strategic planning as well as allows coherent responses to unexpected developments. Being an attractive instrument, it will also include countries / funders that were not in a position to fully integrate common ERA activities yet but which are nonetheless EU member states. The Partnership aims to inform actions at national and regional levels, engaging experts, practitioners and local actors. It will serve as a convenor, engaging private sector actors offering climate-sensitive solutions. Coherence and It will function as a catalyzer to upscale and synergize usable synergies: Please explain climate change knowledge across all relevant Clusters, how this candidate will Partnerships and Missions, as well as Pillar 1 and 3. By improve coherence and attracting different types of national, regional, and private synergies within the EU partners (relevant Ministries, research funding and performing R&I landscape organizations, broad types of stakeholders), it can provide knowledge synergistically, especially on systems playing a key role in climate change processes such as polar and sub-polar regions (in collaboration with EU PolarNet) or regions at high risk such as the Alpine region, European Southeast region or the Mediterranean region (without duplicating the work conducted in Prima). Existing initiatives: The Partnership will build on JPI Climate’s experience in i) Please explain what supporting and enhancing societally relevant climate change currently ongoing research and ii) accelerating the transfer of knowledge from initiatives this proposal science to policy and actions across the European Research builds on and/or how it Area. It implemented R&I agendas within 3 CSAs, 1 COST 8 fits into the EU R&I Action on social sciences and humanities, 2 Knowledge Hubs, 8 landscape: joint calls for 200M€, including 2 ERAnets and 2 International calls with the Belmont Forum. The partnership will also respond to the call for action of the Equinox Summit to fill IPCC 6th Assessment report research gaps and further engage with related work being progressed by Copernicus and the European Space Agency. European Research Infrastructures will be also involved: ATMO-ACCESS, Euro-ARGO, ICOS, IAGOS, ACTRIS, eLTER, PRACE, Concordia, as well as DESTINATION Earth and the European Climate Research Alliance (ECRA). The IS.ENES consortium is also invited to participate. The proposed work on regional areas in Europe will build on collaborations with existing initiatives EU-PolarNet2 (polar and subpolar areas) and PRIMA (Mediterranean area). Necessity test: Please A co-funded European Partnership would boost member states explain why a European and associated countries to further pool resources to joint Partnership would more activities with both national/regional funding bodies (cash) and effective in achieving the research organizations (in-kind). objectives of this proposed candidate than Such a co-funded partnership will attract countries beyond the traditional instruments current perimeter of JPI Climate, in particular towards Southern, (e.g. open calls): North and Eastern countries or regions, as was demonstrated with H2020 ERAnet on Climate Services with 45 partners (97M€ commitment, 66M€ used after selection), and will build of on-going Widening CSA on climate related issues. Cluster: Please indicate ☒ Cluster 5 - Climate Energy and Mobility which cluster or work programme part this proposal is most relevant for and that you believe would be the most appropriate funding source. Relevant megatrends: Accelerating technological change and hyperconnectivity; The expert group Climate change and environmental degradation; Continuing supporting strategic urbanization; Diversification of education and learning; coordinating process for Widening inequalities (in education, work, health and gender partnerships recently and territorial inequalities); Expanding influence of East and developed a methodology South; Growing consumption; Shifting health challenges to better assess the relevance of European Partnerships as instruments to address the Union’s political priorities (find the full 9 report here). Please indicate which if the following megatrends this proposal addresses: 10  3. Enhancing Societal Preparedness and Resilience for systemIc crisis managemenT in the EU (ESPRIT-EU) General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership on Enhancing Societal Preparedness and European Partnerships Resilience for systemIc crisis managemenT in the EU (ESPRIT-EU) Short description of the The proposed Partnership aims at promoting the key role of Research and candidate partnership Innovation to enhance societal preparedness and resilience to natural and manmade hazards trough a holistic and systemic approach. Lead MS/AC IT Services directly involved Lead services: ECHO, HOME, RTD. Other potentially relevant services are CNECT, GROW, JRC, MOVE, ENV, EAC, HERA. Context and problem The war in Ukraine and what happened to the Nord Stream2 pipeline, the definition increasing impact of climate change (e.g. 2023 devastating storm and flood [this section is new in Lybia, 2023 severe wildfires and flood in Greece) and COVID-19 compared to the previous pandemic have accelerated an already ongoing process of growing concern template] on the need to strengthen resilience, particularly of critical infrastructure. Taking a closer look just to weather- and climate-related events, between 1980 and 2020, total economic losses amounted to EUR 450-520 billion (in 2020 euros) in the 32 EEA member countries (EEA-32), while fatalities during the same period amounted to to between 85,000 and 145,000. 145,000, according to two separate sources. The number of events per decade follows an increasing trend, with 392, 483, 799 and 1,220 weather- and climate-related events recorded for the decades 1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010 and 2011-2020, respectively. Furthermore data indicate that the highest losses per capita were in Switzerland, Slovenia and France, and that the highest losses per area were in Switzerland, Germany and Italy (See European Environment Agency) Lessons from the impact of the natural and man-made hazards demonstrates that the disaster risk management - to be effective - has to be comprehensive, holistic and systemic in order to manage the effect of interdependencies and cross-border phenomena. Finally, it’s growing an alarming awareness of the hazardous posed by 2 or more simultaneous natural/manmade events (See Libya, heavy rain, dam break). Objectives and expected The proposed Partnership aims at promoting the key role of Research and impacts Innovation to enhance societal preparedness and resilience to a number of threats, including natural hazards, industrial hazards (Seveso Directive), terrorist attacks, sabotage and hybrid threats. Recognizing that the human factor remains very relevant, the approach has to be based not only on technological aspects, but also on a modern security culture involving the current and the next generations of European citizens. The objectives are to i) prepare advanced technologies and skills to manage 1 or multiple natural/manmade disaster, minimizing their impact ii) enable a pan-european standard approach, iii) promote evidence-based prevention at individual and community level, and iv) optimise the management/recovery of affected areas and persons (individuals and companies), including the identification and diffusion of best practices and standards, structures and care. 11  The expected impact of the Partnership is a shared and robust knowledge base to make a stronger Union at home. Expected outcomes are the following: • Reduction of loss of human life • Reduction of economic losses • Improved awareness and perception of risk • Better Risk communication • Analysis, Prevention and best practices diffusion • Creating a common European sense for natural and manmade risk management • Dissemination of preparedness actions not only for first responders but also for citizens (a culture for security) • Identification of structural and non-structural solutions (real time and near real time alert systems, monitoring systems) for prevention and preparedness • from a broader perspective, a safe, secure and resilient Union area is the basic condition for any company and, in general, the economy to thrive. This has been demonstrated in theoretical terms by various studies (for example: Maskell and Malmberg, Localized learning and industrial competitiveness, Cambridge Journal of Economics, 1999). But cases are there for everyone to see on a daily basis and, when it comes to security, every high-level communication from the European Union recalls this fact: it is a fundamental prerequisite for economic and social well-being. In a context of tumultuous innovation, shared security research is fundamental to guarantee strategic autonomy. Necessity test: rationale for A European Partnership is needed to develop common R&I agenda for a European Partnership establishing a coordinated disaster preparedness and resilience at scientific level as well at strategic and political level, promoting the necessary synergies between research and risk mitigation actions. National and regional programs in this area could provide an important contribution to enhancing societal preparedness and resilience, but their value can be greatly increased if they become part of a strategic frame that is defined through a European Partnership. Further, a European Partnership is required to ensure a holistic and balanced approach regarding the management of single/multiple disasters while considering changing climate, environmental and socio-economic conditions. Without such a holistic approach, the security research will be scattered among different domains such as climate change, critical entities (see CER Directive), infrastructures, etc resulting in a low level general effectiveness. Many domains are important but even crucial will be the result of synergies. Thematically relevant for Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' the following parts of ☐ Cluster Health Horizon Europe ☐ Cluster Culture, creativity and inclusive society ☐ Cluster Civil Security for Society ☐ Cluster Digital, Industry and Space ☐ Cluster Climate, Energy and Mobility ☐ Cluster Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment ☒ Cross-cluster ☐ Pillar III ‘Innovative Europe’ 12 Currently identified links Please describe links and/ or collaboration opportunities identified at this with other partnership stage with other partnerships and Union programmes, in particular if co- candidates / Union financing of the partnerships or upstream use of other programmes is programmes planned. The Partnerships would potentially build on and collaborate with a number of existing European Partnerships already included in the Horizon EU Strategic Plan 2021-2024, such as: - Pandemic Preparedness (Cluster 1) - High Performance Computing (Cluster 4) - AI – Data – Robotics (Cluster 4) - Built4People (Cluster 5) - EIT Urban Mobility - European Open Science Cloud Synergies with other Union programmes and policies would need to be explored in particular with Union Civil Protection Mechanism as well within the implementation process of the recent CER Directive (Dir. UE 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and Council on the Resilience of Critical Entities). Does the proposed No, the proposed partnership is an entirely new partnership. partnership build on currently active ones? Expected type and • National Civil Protection Departments composition of partners • Ministries of Interior • Ministries of Defence • Regional Agency • Ministries of Defence (Humanitarina Relief missions) • NGO, Volunteers and first responder • Citizens Contributions and Resources will be identified during the preparation phase, but the envisaged commitments expected type of resources include national R&I programmes, infrastructure from partners investments, or in-house research carried out by the partners in the field of disaster risk management and mitigation. Currently envisaged ☒ Co-funded European Partnership implementation mode(s). Justification of the The proposed partnership has no direct contact with large industrial supply implementation mode chains (automotive, space, etc.), because it is cross-cutting and basically addressing government needs and tasks. Proposed starting year Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025/2027. Possibility to foresee a preparatory action (Coordination and support action) in the HE Cluster 3 - Civil Security for Society (WP 2025) and possible other collaborative research actions. 13  4. Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future General Information Preliminary title of the Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future European Partnership Short description of the The partnership aim is to promote healthy, biodiverse and resilient forests that are partnership sustainably managed and able to provide a wide range of key-ecosystem services, including climate change mitigation through carbon removals and a continuing supply of materials and services for the development of the bioeconomy. It will be the main instrument of public organisations from EU countries and beyond to join forces in the forest-based sectors through concerted research and innovation together with a wide range of other stakeholders. Services directly involved Lead: DG AGRI Associated: DG RTD, DG ENV, DG GROW, DG CLIMA, DG JRC Context and problem Forests in the EU are a major reservoir of carbon and sequester 10% of EU definition gross greenhouse gas emissions (Forest Europe 2020). They host the largest share of terrestrial biodiversity. They provide ecosystem services that are key for people and the planet. They regulate the climate, ensure soil and water quality and provide renewable materials like wood and non-wood forest products and services such as social recreational services (in particular urban and peri-urban forests), health and well-being. Societal demand for forest restoration, conservation and sustainable use is increasing. Forests are part of the solution to face global challenges. They play an essential role in climate change mitigation, safeguarding biodiversity, protecting human living space, maintaining hydrological cycles, providing wood and non-wood forest products and recreational environments. In particular, forests are key to reach the EU target of carbon removals by natural sinks of 310 million tonnes of CO 2 equivalent set out in the revised LULUCF Regulation6 (Land-Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry), climate neutrality by 2050, and to generate negative emissions thereafter. With the proposed Regulation on carbon removal certification (CRC)7, forests and forest-based industries have the opportunity to strengthen carbon removals, including through carbon farming practices, improved sustainable forest management and an increased use of long-lived and other climate- smart wood products. The forest sector has a crucial role in ensuring forest sustainability for the transition of our societies towards a resource-efficient and green economy. The forest-based sector in Europe consists of a multitude of value chains, both commercial and non-commercial, representing over € 117 billion manufacturing added value and creating 2.6 million jobs and it is vital for regions less developed and in transition. An enabling prerequisite to make forests fully part of the solutions to tackle global challenges and transform our society is reliable and timely available information on forest ecosystems and resources, their condition and trends. Addressing the challenges that we face regarding forests and seizing the sustainable opportunities that forests can offer requires us to consider forests holistically as a socio-ecological and economic system, where complementary actions can be implemented and strong synergies achieved, but where trade-offs between competing actions will also have to be balanced. 6 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_6784 7 https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/sustainable-carbon-cycles/carbon-removal-certification_en 14 Objectives and expected The candidate Partnership will support the ambition of the new EU Forest Strategy impacts for 2030 that recognises the central and multi-functional role of forests, and the contribution of foresters and the entire forest-based value chain for achieving by 2050 a sustainable and climate-neutral economy while ensuring that all of ecosystems are restored, resilient, and adequately protected. The European Partnership on forests will be the main research and innovation-oriented instrument to reach these objectives. Addressing forest challenges by separate domains of action like biodiversity, climate change, or industry puts us at risk of opposing solutions rather than optimising synergies and trade-offs. We therefore need research and innovation approaches to address multiple goals simultaneously, which often requires transdisciplinary approaches to properly define relevant research questions. Innovative approaches and improved knowledge are needed to create a solid foundation for sound decision making and action to reach the most optimal trajectory for forests to contribute to a sustainable green transition. The expected impact of the Partnership is coordinated forest research and innovation at European level to provide a shared and robust knowledge base to make this transition a success. The main objective of the Partnership is to promote sustainable European forest ecosystem management that is adapted to future environmental conditions and risks, have a strong weight in the bioeconomy value chains, and meet societal expectations. Expected outcomes of the European Partnership on forests are the following: ● Stronger consistency between social, environmental and economic dimensions of forests and forestry, and improved knowledge of their interplay. ● Better understanding of the pivotal importance of the time perspective and of the accelerating changes in climatic conditions and weather extremes in the role that forests can play with respect to climate benefits and biodiversity objectives. ● Improved guidelines on innovative and adaptive forestry regimes in European regions to reach climate and biodiversity objectives, embracing the multifunctional role and the sustainable management of forests as well as the interplay between forestry regimes and genetic diversity and resilience to climate change (drought, fire, pests and diseases, etc.). ● Development of new knowledge, methods, and processes to support major transitions (including increased carbon removals and the restoration of forest ecosystems) and innovations in the forest-based bioeconomy towards cascading use of forest products and higher added value, supporting business development in rural areas and industrial development in crucial sectors such as forest-based industries, construction, transport and energy. ● Improved, consistent, comprehensive and timely monitoring of forest condition, biodiversity, resilience and productivity, related experiments to better anticipate future developments, provide early alert on disturbances (e.g. pest outbreaks and climate change driven impacts), and assess the impact of forestry practices on forest health and conservation. 15  ● Better understanding of the trends and bottlenecks in the emergence of new green forestry business models, including carbon farming, ecotourism and payments for environmental services. Necessity test: rationale ● Improved cross-coordination of the European R&I landscape. Research in for a European forestry and the forest-based sector is mostly done by small (public and/or Partnership private) institutions which are not well equipped to perform large (Horizon Europe) projects and therefore need smaller manageable projects (main reason for the success of the preceding forest-based ERA-NETs). ● Improved coordination across different areas and sectors. Multifunctionality and social-ecological approaches and analyses (integrated with social sciences and humanities) of forests become more and more important with respect to climate mitigation and adaptation, resilience, and other broader societal aspects. Appropriate research and innovation activities require an EU rather than local or Member States approach. ● Stronger focus on the processes that lead to transformations toward sustainability in the forest-based and bioeconomy sector at EU level, which will also be key to the forest industry´s long-term competitiveness, in the EU and globally. ● Building of capacities, education and training, and a better connection of these with research are required to position Europe as a leader on the global scale. ● Mutualised benefits from the greater diversity of forest-related experiences and forest conditions at the European level than at the Member State level. Planned under Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' cluster/work programme ☒ Cluster Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment part Currently identified links The following European Partnerships are complementary and could be linked to the with other partnership proposed partnership: Agriculture of data; Biodiversa +; Accelerating farming candidates / Union systems transition: agroecology living labs and research infrastructures; Safe and programmes sustainable food systems; Circular bio-based Europe; Water4all. The proposed partnership will be complementary to other relevant partnership candidates or EU programmes, and will provide a holistic approach that would contribute to the targets of the aforementioned partnerships. Partnership objectives are directly linked to other forest dedicated platforms and initiatives under the European Green Deal, including the EU Forest Strategy and its 3 billion tree initiatives, the Bioeconomy Strategy, the revised LULUCF Regulation and the proposed Regulation on Carbon Removals Certification, the Nature Restoration Law, forest monitoring and data collection supporting the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE) and New European Bauhaus initiative. There are also links with CAP Strategic Plans, COST, Erasmus+, EIPs (AGRI, Raw Materials), EIT Raw Materials and EIT Climate-KIC, PPPs (BIC/ BBI JU), ERA- NET Cofund ForestValue, AnaEE, ICOS, EEA, EU Observatory for deforestation, forest degradation and associated drivers, ENFIN, ICP Forest, Interreg, LIFE, EU Missions 'A Soil Deal for Europe', ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’ and ‘Climate- neutral and smart cities’ 16 Previous EU initiatives European investment into forest research has been conducted through Horizon 2020 and investments in the with a total budget of around € 155 million for 2014-2020. In Horizon Europe, forest sector related research and innovation activities are supported through an expected budget of € 128 million for the first for years (2021-2024). In addition, the proposed partnership builds on several previous ERA-NETs: WoodWisdom-Net (2004-2008, 20 M€) WoodWisdom-Net 2 (2009-2012, 33 M€) WoodWisdom-Net+ (2012-2017, 32 M€) Foresterra (2012-2015, 2 M€) Sumforest (2014-2017, 10 M€) ForestValue (2017-2023, 36 M€) Expected type and The diversity of forestry challenges at local, regional, national, European and composition of partners international level requires wide participation in the Partnership: (i) National and regional agencies, universities, research organisations and national forest inventories supporting research and innovation developments of forests and the forest-based sector; (iii) MS/AC ministries of more than 20 countries, FOREST EUROPE and BIOEAST; (iv) platforms such as the European Forest-Based Sector Technology Platform (FTP), the European Forest Institute (EFI), InnovaWood, EHIA (European Hardwoods Innovation Alliance), EEA, ENFIN (European National Forest Inventory Network), ERICs (European Research Infrastructure Consortium), NetworkNature; (v) collaboration with industry (esp. SMEs), regions and other economic actors (incl. forest owner associations); (vi) collaboration with biodiversity and conservation actors; (vii) collaboration with non-research organisations including NGOs that are producing knowledge on forests and society. Contributions and Both financial and in-kind contributions are foreseen from EU MS (RDI funding commitments expected agencies, sectoral agencies, regions, research organisations, industry; to be further from partners detailed later by all foreseen partners). The engagement of partners with diverse competences, responsibilities and affiliations will mobilise the best expertise and enough funds to effectively drive R&D solutions to meet the set objectives. It is expected that the partnership will significantly and progressively increase the contributions in order to align them with the size of the challenges at stake. Tentative Union Commission contribution 70 M€ (30%) contribution for the entire Member states’ contribution 163 M€ (70%) duration of the = total 233 M€ partnership (in EUR millions) Currently envisaged ☒ Co-funded European Partnership implementation mode(s). Justification of the European research on forests is fragmented and lacks coordination between implementation mode countries. Still, each country has its own strengths in forestry research. What is needed to ensure successful transitions of our societies is a better integration of forestry scientific programmes across countries to address common challenges and opportunities while making the best of the strengths of the forestry research in each country. A co-funded European Partnership also allows the MS to pool resources to joint activities with national funding bodies and research organisations. Duration 2025-2031 17  5. Emerging Enabling Information and Communication Technologies Lead FR Short description: Please Co-funded partnership that will explore new and emerging enabling provide a short description ICT, fully respecting planetary boundaries and resonant with societal of the scope, the possible needs and aspirations. It will also accelerate structuring of related R&I objectives and their communities, taking up technology and impact roadmaps co-developed relevance for Horizon by a fostered alliance between research, industry and society. Europe's expected In support of KSO 2 (Digital Transition) of H-Europe Strategic Plan impacts, the current state 2025-2027, the ambition is to mobilise European and national of play, and the type of stakeholders to secure over the long-term European leadership in partners you would technologies that will shape tomorrow’s opportunities by fostering a consider necessary proactive, agile and fast approach in support of mainstream ICT R&I (private and/or public WPs (Cluster 4, thematic European Partnerships…). It will contribute to sector partners): Expected Impact 18 of the Strategic Plan. High risk high impact by nature, it will gather national funding organisations, EC, foresight stakeholders, S&T trend analysts, stakeholders to which the Partnership is intended to contribute and S&T experts. Directionality: Please While Europe is strong in many sectors, it must take ownership of its explain the expected unavoidable future transformations for competitiveness, prosperity and objectives and impacts of sustainability, by early leadership and industrial sovereignty in new and this proposal and their emerging enabling technologies (EE-ICT). Early work at different TRLs relevance for EU policy on EE-ICT does not consist only in landscape scanning. It aims also at priorities. creating the framework to transform them in the short term into tangible and facilitated opportunities for Europe, by looking forward, creating scenarios and finding co-created paths aligned with European values and principles. It should not oppose to existing technology roadmaps. The Partnership will provide a further piece of agility to enhance responsiveness of the system, for instance urgent bridging of a gap while EC and European Partnerships adapt for longer-term action (e.g. reaction on generative AI). It will also foster radically novel technology directions by anticipating on possible, but uncertain future technologies, and providing fast experimentation track before they join mainstream WPs. Objectives: 1. Framework for scouting, analysing EE-ICT and co-creating technology and impact roadmaps with research, industry and society; 2. Methodology to collectively prioritise technologies to be accelerated considering European strategy, and multidisciplinary high risk/high impact ambition; 3. Capacity to support accelerated development of prioritised technologies, incl. joint calls, relevant for subsequent uptake; a. Provide research policy framework able to maximise the impact of the support and calls; b. Promote innovative support schemes, fostering responsiveness and enabling disruptive ambition; 18  4. Framework for integrating the Partnership into the European and national R&I ecosystems: a. Have the Partnership identified as a recognised opportunity for uncovering potential of EE-ICT; b. Have the outputs of the Partnership visible, relevant and able to motivate other initiatives to bring them to the next stage. Additionality: Please European Partnership instrument is the reference scheme for multilateral explain the EU added partnerships in Horizon Europe. It has the potential to attract relevant value of the proposed stakeholders for achieving Partnership’s ambition and to have it candidate. recognised as a central stakeholder. Moreover, EU cofunding will have the capacity to: • Contribute to increasing the ambition of the Partnership by increasing its financial capacity; • Facilitate non-funding activities by covering management costs; • Maximise budget use of the joint calls by filling the gaps in local budgets. On policy side, EU umbrella will influence reflection on new and enabling emerging technologies, having provided reference frameworks (e.g. in Cluster 4 or through the EIC), already endorsed by Member States. Coherence and The Partnership will mobilise additional stakeholders, in particular synergies: Please explain national and regional funding organisations, around the concept of new how this candidate will and emerging enabling technologies as developed in Cluster 4 and the improve coherence and attempt of the EIC to bridge novel and multidisciplinary research and synergies within the EU disruptive technologies in the longer-term. R&I landscape By involving national/regional funding organisations, it will integrate into this stream organisations, which have a central role in their local R&I ecosystems, through which research flows. This will provide valued access to an important set of early signals about enabling emerging technologies. Importantly, the trend in European R&I Framework Programmes favours structured initiatives and/or at higher TRLs directed to achieve defined policy objectives, possibly creating inertia collaterally. This is fully valid if this is completed by instruments open to novel, disruptive, unforeseeable, contrarian, unexpected and/or risky directions. The latter should work hand-to-hand with the former to mitigate risks by bringing diversity and agility to the whole system. Thus, the Partnership will contribute to future-proof main EU ICT priorities. Existing initiatives: The Partnership builds on the CHIST-ERA ERA-NET. Since 2010 it Please explain what targets future and emerging ICT. CHIST-ERA was part of the FET currently ongoing programme of DG CONNECT and is now under the European initiatives this proposal Innovation Council. Since 2010 the more than 30-partner consortium of builds on and/or how it fits CHIST-ERA launched a call per year supporting two high risk/high into the EU R&I impact topics and for which the association of multiple countries landscape: provided the critical mass needed to launch a call. This ERA-NET demonstrates readiness of MS to support the principle of this Partnership, allocating budgets on the generic concept rather than on the various topics considered individually. Since 2010, 13 calls (26 different 19  topics) have been supported: BCI for novel interactions; Analog AI; Terahertz communication; Green ICT; Quantum information. It makes CHIST-ERA one of the most productive ERA-NETs. It also created collaborations with Canada, Taiwan and Brazil. The Partnership builds also on FORGING CSA under Cluster 4, whose mission is to uncover the potential of EE-ICT in various domains of Industry 5.0. This CSA assembled an expert forum aimed at providing operational context to EE-ICT: They help industry to navigate rapidly changing environments, for instance by actively transferring ideas and early technologies between players that would not normally interact, or by combinations of different foresight activities to prioritise strategic directions while avoiding narrow visions for the future. Technology frameworks explored comprise: Human-centric solutions & HMI; Bio- inspired technologies and smart materials; Real time-based digital twins and simulation; Cyber safe data transmission, storage & analysis technologies; AI; Technologies for energy efficiency and trustworthy autonomy. The Partnership will benefit from the experience of those initiatives and enable expanding impact via higher budgetary capacities around more structured and synergistical activities. The Partnership will also open to new partners to maximise its impact. Necessity test: Please The Partnership will provide sustained and significant effort over the explain why a European years, which is necessary to break visibility glass ceiling and achieve Partnership would more significant impact. effective in achieving the Support to emerging enabling technologies will require to mobilise objectives of this proposed various support instruments, that go beyond standard capacity of an candidate than traditional ERA-NET Cofund. instruments (e.g. open calls): The Partnership will bring high-level of responsiveness enabling to launch joint calls within a few months after call topics identification. It will also bring agility by allowing launching calls with consortia of funding organisations that may not represent always all Member States. It will allow intertwining landscape scouting, expert assessment and road mapping activities with support to new and emerging enabling technologies and therefore breaking the model of linear progression of technology development. Its transversal nature will favour cross-disciplines fertilisation, possibly outside main multidisciplinary trends. Active participation of Member States and Associated Countries will facilitate incorporating a variety of viewpoints. Cluster: Please indicate Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) which cluster or work programme part this proposal is most relevant for and that you believe would be the most appropriate funding source. Relevant megatrends: Accelerating technological change and hyperconnectivity. The expert group supporting strategic coordinating process for 20 partnerships recently developed a methodology to better assess the relevance of European Partnerships as instruments to address the Union’s political priorities (find the full report here). Please indicate which if the following megatrends this proposal addresses: 21  6. Innovative Materials for EU (“I’M for EU”) General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership “Innovative Materials for EU” (“I’M for EU”) European Partnerships Short description of the Innovative (or advanced) materials are engineered to have new or enhanced candidate partnership properties with superior performance relative to conventional (or raw) materials. They also include composite materials, nanomaterials and two- dimensional materials (2DM, one-atom thick). This candidate partnership focuses on research, development and uptake of a new generation of ‘safe and sustainable by design’ innovative materials, fit for the circular economy and providing for new uses essential for the green and digital transition. The partnership will contribute to the implementation of the Commission’s proposal for a Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). The partnership will support the future Coordinated Plan on Advanced Materials with Member States, as announced in the Communication on Critical Raw Materials8 and as proposed for the Commission WP 2024. It has wide stakeholder support from both the Graphene Flagship as well as the Advanced Materials Initiative 2030 stakeholder groups. Services directly DG RTD, DG CNECT. involved Context and problem Context definition Innovative materials are key to achieve the ambitious policy objectives of the European Green Deal and Digital Strategy and to ensure EU’s strategic autonomy. Technological advancements depend on materials science, for example in the digital, energy, transport, and aerospace sectors. In 2022, innovative materials have been forecasted9 to generate a gross value added of about €70 billion by 2040. Europe has overall a strong global position in this field with 22.5% of global patents, only behind Japan, with a high adoption level among European firms and a solid share of skilled professionals10. However, the EU position is weakening as the number of new patents per year has been declining for more than the last five years. There is a risk that R&I and investments are exploited by competitors outside the EU in the absence of sufficient and coordinated public and private investments in the EU. Since 2013 the EU has been supporting the Graphene Flagship in successfully pursuing the development of new technologies based on graphene and other 2DM establishing Europe as a globally leading innovator. In February 2022, a group of pivotal stakeholders called for a new strategic approach in the Materials 2030 Manifesto11 that has led to the development of a Materials 2030 Roadmap and a Materials Strategic Agenda12. In parallel, the 2DM community are currently developing an updated version of the technology and innovation roadmap published13 in 2017 to set out a strategic research and innovation agenda for 2DM-based technologies until 2050. 8 COM(2023) 165 final 9 McKinsey Global Institute, Securing Europe’s competitiveness, Addressing its technology gap, 2022 10 Advanced Technologies for Industry – EU Report 11 https://www.ami2030.eu/who/ 12 https://www.ami2030.eu/2023/04/18/ami2030-just-released-the-strategic-materials-agenda/ 13 https://graphene-flagship.eu/innovation/industrialisation/roadmap/ 22  A joint statement14 between the two stakeholder communities has been published, confirming the aim to develop a joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda of a future partnership and to develop a joint partnership proposal. Problem definition The following major challenges have been identified: 1. Addressing vulnerable materials value chains. The shortage of resources and its critical dependencies puts the EU in a situation in which it needs further research on material efficiency strategies and for strengthening the circular economy (durability, repairability, recyclability, repurposing, re- manufacturing of materials), substitution of critical raw materials, innovative circular business models, production technologies and tracing schemes. 2. Supporting R&I from low to high TRLs. There is a need for low TRL technology-oriented material research for the identification of new materials and demonstration of their new properties and physical phenomena as well as their implementation in proof-of-principle devices/prototypes. To continue the transition to higher TRL, R&I is needed to address scientific and technological challenges related amongst others to scalability, reliability and reproducibility of innovative materials and their integration along the value chains. 3. Digitising materials’ design. Innovation in digital tools such as modelling, data spaces, data analytics and AI has the potential to exponentially accelerate the research and design of new innovative materials. Germany15 and France16 already launched major national initiatives offering data spaces to accelerate materials design by using AI and modelling techniques. To exploit the full potential of digitalisation, actions and initiatives at national and EU level need to be coordinated. 4. Crossing the valley of death and accelerating innovation uptake. Start-ups and innovative SMEs are facing difficulties in bringing new materials from the lab to the market. Newly designed innovative materials are complex for upscaling and manufacturing and innovative SMEs lack opportunities to access testing facilities before entering the market. SMEs and start-up companies in high-tech R&I, further face the problem of lack of risk and seed financing. 5. Contributing to a new skills and upskilling agenda. New skills are needed for innovative materials’ methods, tools and new product development, notably in materials science, chemistry, engineering and information technologies. These skills need to become available in national education and training systems. In the same vein an upskilling of the current workforce in industries is needed. The partnership will work closely with Member States and the EIT/KIC, notably on industries’ needs. Objectives and expected Challenge 1. Addressing vulnerable materials value chains impacts Objective 1: Develop innovative materials that are safe, sustainable, circular, and traceable, contributing to reduce dependencies on primary resources, such as critical raw materials. Objective 2: Integrate reusable or recycled advanced materials into the development of circular manufacturing processes and develop circular business models across value chains. 14 https://graphene-flagship.eu/graphene/news/graphene-flagship-and-ami2030-call-for-european-advanced-materials-partnership/ 15 https://material-digital.de 16 https://www.cnrs.fr/en/diadem-exploratory-priority-research-programme-and-infrastructure-linking-materials-and-ai 23  Expected Impact: Resilient material value chains across sectors will help Europe to reach its targets for domestic supply of recycled materials. New design and assessment methods for ‘safe and sustainable by design’ innovative materials production will boost the confidence of industry and end-users. Challenge 2. Supporting R&I from low to high TRLs Objective 3: Provide a funding platform for low TRL technology-oriented material research for the identification and demonstration of new materials. Objective 4: Bring the innovative material-based technologies in key application areas to the point of technology maturity for industrial take-up. Expected impact: Europe has a thriving innovation pipeline with active input from exploratory research based on identified trends and needs and a robust supply chain in strategic fields contributing to European technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy. Challenge 3. Digitising materials’ design Objective 5: Create a trusted space “materials commons” and federated governance for materials data and tools to accelerate the design of innovative materials. Expected impact: A functional digital materials data marketplace throughout the European Union that reduces the time needed for the research, including the modelling of new materials and increases synergies across actors and sectors in the innovative materials value chain. Challenge 4: Crossing the valley of death and accelerating innovation uptake Objective 6: Launch sustainable technology infrastructures for testing and upscaling production of innovative materials and their integration into devices, systems and products in support of start-ups and SMEs. Objective 7: Empower industry in the uptake of innovative materials to make their processes and products fit for their economic competitiveness, and the European green and digital transformation. Expected impact: Boost the European’s industry competitiveness through innovation leadership based on the deployment of Open Innovation Test Beds, prototypes and use cases. Establish a thriving innovation ecosystem with strong collaboration between academia, research institutes and industry, combining technology push and market pull. Challenge 5: Contributing to a new skills and up-skilling agenda Objective 8: Industries will help to identify the required skillsets for current and future researchers, experts and workforce and collaborate with Member States and the EIT KICs and related academies to implement training plans. Expected impact: Establish Europe as an attractive place for educating the next generation of materials scientists and experts. Enable the current and future workforce to be the driver of innovation in the European materials ecosystem. Necessity test: rationale To secure the Union’s strategic autonomy, and its capacity to deliver on the for a European Green Deal, an active eco-system for the development of innovative materials Partnership and their uptake across value chains of strategic industrial sectors needs to be maintained at EU level. The partnership will help to align industrial initiatives with initiatives of the Union and seek coordination also with Member States’ strategies thereby helping to streamline the use of currently scattered resources into a common approach. 24  Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following clusters/work ☒ Cluster Digital, Industry and Space programme parts ☒ Pillar III ‘Innovative Europe’ (Accelerator Program) Currently identified The partnership will help to strategically coordinate and give focus to activities links with other on materials research currently scattered between the different clusters of HE partnership candidates / and raise the importance of innovative materials under HE pillar 3 (EIC). Union programmes For maximum impact, cooperation is needed with the following partnerships: Existing partnerships: - Photonics; P4P (Processes for Planet), Clean Steel, MiE (Made in Europe) and EIT Manufacturing, EIT Raw Materials and the ERA-MIN, PARC (Risk Assessment of Chemicals), BATT4EU (Batteries), 2Zero, KDT JU (Chips JU); Clean Hydrogen JU, Clean Aviation JU Candidate partnerships: - Photovoltaics Partnership, Textile Partnership Previous EU initiatives The proposed partnership for Innovative Materials builds on the Graphene and investments in the Flagship17 and EMIRI, SUSCHEM, MANUFUTURE, EUMAT through the sector AMI203018 initiative. Experiences from six H2020 ERA-NETs co-funded with Member States (3 M-ERA.NET19 and 3 FLAG-ERA20) is taken into account. The partnership however brings in new industrial players and has a completely new scale and ambition. Expected type and Decisions on value chains will be made during the partnership development. composition of partners ▪ Industry associations and individual companies, covering different value chains, will ensure “market pull” of the advanced materials innovations. ▪ Academia and Research and Technology Organisations will provide the “technology push” for innovative solutions for cross-sectorial applications. Contributions and Strong commitment from European large and mid-cap industries (AMI 2030 and commitments expected the Graphene Flagship) for the partnership will leverage financial contributions from partners by matching at least and probably substantially surpassing EU funding. Tentative Union The proposed EU funding of the partnership is in range between EUR 200 and contribution for the 300 million € financed from the Cluster 4 work program. entire duration of the partnership (in EUR millions) Envisaged ☒ Co-programmed European Partnership implementation Justification of the A co-programmed partnership will allow to make the most out of Europe's strong implementation mode innovative materials R&I and in particular boost industrial uptake. A key challenge will be to achieve scale and speed, for which the industrial involvement is crucial to: • Unlock private capital and streamlining resources with EU R&I priorities, • Contribute to creating a thriving European ecosystem on innovative materials and facilitate access to all stakeholders across the Union. 17 https://graphene-flagship.eu/ 18 https://www.ami2030.eu/ 19 https://www.m-era.net/ 20 https://www.flagera.eu/ 25  • Establish a strategic approach with critical mass across value chains, allowing to implement actions as defined in the Coordinate Plan on Advanced Materials This partnership will be supported by the governance with Member States to be put in place for the future Coordinated Plan. Duration 2025-2027 (end of the programming period, implementation of calls and execution of projects beyond 2027) 26  7. In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation General Information Proposed title of the Large-scale European Partnership on In-Orbit Demonstration and European Partnerships Validation Short description of the Foster a globally competitive European space sector through a regular, candidate partnership sustainable, cost-effective and responsive In Orbit Demonstration/Validation (IOD/IOV) service that supports technological maturation of space innovations. Lead MS/AC FR Services directly involved DG DEFIS Context and problem To ensure European non-dependence and competitiveness in space systems, definition there is a clear need for a regular, sustainable, cost-effective and responsive in-orbit demonstration and validation (IOD/IOV) programme that will de-risk innovations, support technological maturity and reduce time to market. ▪ IOD refers to the spaceflight of a scaled version of a particular technology or critical technology subsystem, which would still need further steps to be ready for mission adoption. ▪ IOV serves as a qualification flight for future mission implementation - a successful validation flight of a particular technology does not require additional space testing before it can be adopted for a specific mission. Testing in real conditions is the true training ground to validate concepts, innovative technologies, and performances and accelerate their entry into the market. Besides, space flight heritage in real conditions and environment is often required to de-risk innovations such as new technologies, products, concepts, architectures, and operations techniques. Flight heritage is a pre- requisite for commercial or institutional missions, including for EU space flagships. Demand for in-orbit demonstration and validation services has been growing steadily. In parallel, the number of launches for commercial small satellites has been drastically increasing and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Although flight opportunities do exist, these are often difficult to find ad hoc at affordable cost and/or in the required timeframe. In-orbit testing is a costly and complex endeavour for space technologies. Many innovative ideas do not survive the “valley of death” from the technology development through to commercialisation and operational use due to the limited and costly IOD/IOV opportunities. Small companies, academia and research organisations working on such technologies can rarely afford the associated cost for IOD/IOV services or the risk to develop their own full satellite. Besides, a critical mass of experiments is needed in order to offer regular and affordable flight opportunities to validate space technologies and innovations. 27  For this purpose, the European Commission introduced initial IOD/IOV activities under Horizon 202021 to test the market demand and to draw lessons. As a result, in order to maximise IOD/IOV opportunities across Europe and prepare future IOD/IOV missions with shared objectives, there is the need to pool resources and establish joint priorities and roadmaps in a coordinated and programmed manner among European public institutions from the European Commission, to Member States and National Space Agencies to the European Space Agency and collectively generate a large scale In-Orbit Demonstration and Validation programme across Europe, that would benefit all stakeholders, facilitate cross-border cooperation, boost innovation and enhance the competitiveness of the EU space sector. Objectives and expected Having a Large-scale European partnership on IOD/IOV would allow a impacts significant step forward in the field of technological competitiveness of the European space industry while contributing to improving its strategic non- dependence. In addition, by supporting institutional missions, this initiative would enable the constant innovation of the EU space infrastructure technology maturation of components necessary for our Union Space Programme components (Copernicus, Galileo & European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, Space Situational Awareness) as well as the Secure Connectivity Programme and the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure. In particular, the overarching objectives of the partnership are to: • Foster global competitiveness of the European space sector: IOD/IOV allows technologies to be effectively tested in orbit while reducing the time it would otherwise take to bring them to market. In doing so, the IOD/IOV initiative contributes to space entrepreneurship alongside the CASSINI initiative. • Enhance EU non-dependence: IOD/IOV supports EU non- dependence by providing a cost-effective service based on EU solutions both for the spacecraft and for the launch services. This is in line with the Commission space policy priorities pursued under the R&I programme Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe space part, as well as under the Union Space programme; In addition, the partnership will contribute to achieving the following expected benefits: • Enable a European Higher Education system: as demonstrated in its pilot phase, IOD/IOV contributes to the implementation of the European Skills Agenda by providing a generation of European engineers with hands-on experience in real-world space programmes thereby contributing to the next generation of skilled workforce across Europe. • Foster cross-border cooperation and defragmentation of space industry: EU space actors are located in traditional space powers, in particular France, Italy, Germany and to a lesser extent in Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Netherland. However, in recent years an increased number of space companies have been created in Luxemburg, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, also facilitated by an Horizon 2020, Work Programme 2018 – 2020, Leadership in Enabling and Industrial Technologies – Space, (European 21 Commission Decision C(2020)1862 of 25 March 2020) 28  increased national budget expenditure in space activities22. A large- scale IOD/IOV partnership would encourage further collaboration and programming among EU actors and support innovation and the space industry across Europe and transfer of knowledge and best practices from more experienced actors to emerging ones; • Enable the development of new commercial entrants (space tech start-ups and SMEs): the EU space panorama has traditionally been dominated by big players. However, with the emergence of the NewSpace phenomenon, in recent years more and more small players have risen across Europe that are offering solutions and innovations that have shaken the traditional space market. This is particularly the case for SMEs and start-ups active in satellite manufacturing and micro launchers that are crucial for the implementation of IOD/IOV activities and that would greatly benefit from a large-scale IOD/IOV programme. Through this European Partnership, the regular IOD/IOV service will complement other EU R&I efforts and contribute to accelerating the pace of innovation and the emergence of disruptive innovations maximizing the benefits for society and the EU economy, with a view to having the first tangible benefits from 2030 onwards. Necessity test: rationale for The main challenge of IOD/IOV is to provide regular and cost-effective a European Partnership services (that can include spacecraft design, aggregation of experiments, assembly, integration and tests, launch and operations) based on EU solutions both for the spacecraft and for launch and operations services. Building on the current process for the implementation of the IOD/IOV activities under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, a European Partnership would allow issuing recurrent and regular Calls for Expression of Interest with a view to achieving a critical mass of experiments needing IOD/IOV services. This would bring more opportunities and flexibility to launch whilst responding to R&I need for responsiveness necessary to faster innovation processes. At the same time, parallel procurement actions for the provision of IOD/IOV services would be carried out by partners, benefiting from wider variety of new space actors implementing aggregation, launch and operation services. The use of traditional calls for proposals in the frame of Horizon Europe has not been considered appropriate already in the current implementation of IOD/IOV activities as it does not represent an effective tool to meet the abovementioned objectives of the initiative. Taking into consideration the lessons learned from the past and on-going IOD/IOV activities, the members of the partnership, notably the European Commission, Member States Ministries, National Space Agencies and the ESA, should pool resources and identify a common approach towards a European IOD/IOV initiative. They should jointly contribute to the implementation of relevant activities in support of a regular, sustainable cost- effective service across Europe. This would be facilitated/ organised through the establishment of a Strategic Roadmap setting up the main needs for IOD/IOV services both for institutional and for industrial needs. Such a roadmap would incorporate the technology maturation needs from a national and European perspective. A partnership is necessary to set up the Strategic Roadmap and implement it through regular Calls for Expression of Interest 22 SpaceTec Partners, EU Space Economics in the Global Context, October 2021. 29  for IOD/IOV experiments and carry out actions for carrier, launch services and operations procurement. Finally, a European Partnership for IOD/IOV would avoid the proliferation of parallel national initiatives that would lead to national industrial silos. At the same time, considering that space is a booming sector across Europe, it is important to support and consolidate this trend by fostering innovation through a truly European initiative benefiting industry from all EU Member States. Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following clusters/work programme parts ☒ Cluster Digital, Industry and Space Currently identified links Under Horizon Europe Cluster 4, the candidate co-programmed partnership with other partnership on Global space systems offers a collaborating opportunity considering that candidates / Union the R&I outputs supported by this partnership will need to be tested in real programmes conditions. In this context, having a dedicated European partnership on IOD/IOV capable of offering this service would bridge the gap and accelerate commercialisation of innovations in space technology. This partnership would be complementary to the candidate partnership on Global space systems under Horizon Europe Cluster 4 focusing on technology maturation up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, which represents that the technology is mature enough for demonstration in relevant environment. The IOD/IOV partnership would complement and further increase maturation to reach TRL 7/8, which represent the qualification of the technology, in order to accelerate access to market and commercialisation. In addition, the EU flagships of the Union Space programme would also benefit from this new partnership through the testing and validation of new technologies, concepts or techniques. In the ongoing activities under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, the IOD/IOV service is already supporting institutional missions for the Union Space programmes, notably: • The Galileo programme: by providing aggregation and launch services a GNSS receiver, the IOD/IOV initiative will contribute to the validation of mission requirements for the Galileo 2nd Generation space service, currently under definition. • The Secure Connectivity Programme: by providing the aggregation of the QKD payload of Eagle 1 on the satellite platform, the related launch services and initial in-orbit testing, the IOD/IOV initiative will accelerate the implementation of the EuroQCI space infrastructure integrated into the space and ground infrastructure of the Union Secure Connectivity Programme. Previous EU initiatives and The ongoing IOD/IOV activities funded by Horizon 2020 and Horizon investments in the sector Europe contribute to build a solid base for the need for this partnership. At present, no partnership with similar objectives and framework to the proposed IOD/IOV partnership is in place. For the period 2018 – 2025 around € 150 million has been allocated to IOD/IOV related activities. Actions have been implemented indirectly through the European Space Agency. Expected type and The core partners of the partnership are EU Member States represented by composition of partners their respective competent ministries and/ or the National Space Agencies as well as the European Space Agency. These actors are expected to define the Strategic Roadmap of the partnership, fund and implement relevant activities 30  such as run regular calls for IOD/IOV experiments and perform procurement activities. Given the wide interest for IOD/IOV and the positive impacts on innovation, entrepreneurship and competitiveness, participation from FR, BE, LU, SE, PT is expected. Participation could be expected also from IT, NL and possibly other MS/ AC. Contributions and Member State partners are expected to contribute financially to achieve the commitments expected common actions of the partnership with a split of 30% Union contribution from partners and 70% MS contribution. In addition, MS are expected to support the Commission to identify experiments and missions needing IOD/IOV services. Based on past and current activities, to establish a regular, sustainable, cost- effective and responsive In Orbit Demonstration/Validation (IOD/IOV) service for the period 2026 – 2030 a cumulative budget (EU and other partners) of around €50 – 100 million could be envisaged. Tentative Union €15 - €30 million contribution for the entire duration of the partnership (in EUR millions) Currently envisaged ☒ Co-funded European Partnership implementation mode(s). Justification of the The co-funded mode of collaboration will offer to this large-scale IOD/IOV implementation mode partnership a high and attractive European visibility, also on the global scene. It will represent a unique benchmark internationally. A leverage effect in the amount of funds mobilised by the participants is to be expected with progressive increased participation from EU MS. Procurement actions implemented by the entrusted entity(ies) as defined by the partnership are expected to be approved by all contributing partners. Duration 2026 – 2030 31  8. Maritime Digitalisation Lead FR Short description: Please Co-programmed partnership. provide a short description of Digital Transformation is central for the competitiveness and the the scope, the possible economic sustainability of the Waterborne Ecosystem. The maritime objectives and their relevance technology industry will scale up efforts to become a digital design for Horizon Europe's expected authority, which will implement digitalisation, automation, and impacts, the current state of autonomy in ships and maritime industrial processes (target 2035). play, and the type of partners To that end, the maritime technology industry will have integrated you would consider necessary data management (i.e., data lakes and data analytics) throughout the (private and/or public sector entire value chain and has developed Artificial Intelligence to support partners): the business. This digital transformation will enable the industry to enhance efficiency, global competitiveness, and offer new services beyond traditional shipbuilding and manufacturing. Directionality: Please explain By 2035, the EU must be able to rely on adequate industrial the expected objectives and production capacity to manufacture innovative, zero-emission, impacts of this proposal and sustainable and digitalized ships and platforms, as well as on their relevance for EU policy technological solutions that are critical for Europe’s defense, strategic priorities. autonomy, trade, energy independence, and Blue Economy. This partnership proposal is therefore fully in line with the maritime industrial strategy adopted by the EU. Digitalisation of the ship design and manufacturing processes. Data through its continuity around the ship construction process may serve different purposes, enabling innovative functionalities in the design and production cycle integrated with the lifecycle of the product. Furthermore, as complex shipbuilding requires the integration of numerous equipment, systems and technologies produced by a wide variety of suppliers, digitalisation will require the set-up of a specialised “Digital Value Chain” architecture. In such complex digital environment, the capability to create a functional data platform architecture is critical to further exploit decision systems based on Artificial Intelligence and automation. This entire data environment must ensure seamless, consistency, resiliency and security of data. Digitalisation of the ship, around four major streams: The digitalisation of ship and ship systems: Higher levels of digitalisation on-board ships increase operational efficiency on-board and on shore, and help improving the processes and performance for the operator. Digital application: able to generate business by increasing operational efficiency, by simplifying the maintenance. Ship Automation: thanks to digitalisation and electrification, ship sensors allow monitoring ships and actuators allow automating some tasks. Ship Autonomy: The deep understanding of the external environment is an essential pre-requisite for implementing progressive levels of Autonomous Navigation and Autonomous Operations. 32 Additionality: Please explain The maritime industry, including shipyards and maritime equipment the EU added value of the manufacturers, in Europe is facing huge challenges to decarbonise proposed candidate. and digitalize waterborne transport as well as navy fleets. At the same time, these challenges create a big opportunity for the industry throughout Europe. Moreover, the production and integration of innovative zero-emission, sustainable, digital, automated/autonomous technologies will be the cornerstones of the industry’s global competitiveness and thriving future. Finally, the production and integration of innovative zero-emission, sustainable, digital, automated/autonomous technologies onboard of complex as well as strategic ship types will be crucial for Europe to achieve its political ambitions and to ensure the resiliency of the maritime technology industry, strategic autonomy, sovereignty, and control of its seas. A competitive and resilient maritime technology industry will be capable to export its innovative technologies worldwide commercially and thereby help to leading the global transformation of waterborne transport. To that end, however, the EU needs to put in place the necessary regulatory and financial support for the production and integration of these technologies urgently. To achieve global leadership in digitalized, automated, or autonomous ships and solutions, the EU has established framework conditions in support of first movers, whilst safeguarding maritime safety. The EU has also taken a leading role in the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO) to protect and promote EU standards globally, whilst it continues taking a leading role in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)) to protect and promote EU innovations, standards, and rules globally. By pursuing its industrial maritime leadership, the EU could combine its environmental and digital ambitions into environmental and digital standards implemented through EU industrial stakeholders. Coherence and synergies: The digital transformation of the maritime sector will allow Please explain how this exploiting digital applications on shared platforms for new services candidate will improve and business models. A crucial part of this transformation will be the coherence and synergies within development of Digital Platforms and ecosystems enabling the EU R&I landscape stakeholders (e.g., ship-owners, ship operators, OEMs, shipyards) to monitor the operation and performance of the ship throughout its entire life. The maritime sector will then have the capability to move towards a comprehensive Life Cycle Management of the ship, which starts from design and covers construction throughout the operation phase. The central role of European technology providers will be based on the capability to become a Digital Design Authority based on Data Analytics and Artificial intelligence. Existing initiatives: Please A partnership on the digitalisation of the maritime sector will explain what currently ongoing complement the “Zero Emission” component of the ZEWT co- initiatives this proposal builds programmed partnership. A task force has been created within the on and/or how it fits into the partnership, which proves that this issue is very topical and is not yet EU R&I landscape: addressed or not properly addressed. Necessity test: Please explain Digitalisation of the ship requires a coordination in the ecosystem: why a European Partnership the interconnected and communicating maritime space will become would more effective in reality and the maritime technology industry will provide all technical achieving the objectives of this solutions to that end. Technology will support the connectivity among proposed candidate than ships and ports, and leverage on block chain technologies through the traditional instruments (e.g. entire value chain and life cycle from shipyards to end users. Ports, open calls): Port Authorities, Ship Owners, and Service providers will have reliable connection and shared data with ships that will enable fully 33  autonomous navigation of unmanned systems. It also requires a coordination with the eco-systems’ payload: Digitalisation will support ship-owners in the payload's management. Whether it is a cargo or a passenger, digitalisation will enable seamless payload data transfer from different stakeholders, enabling advanced services. Maritime Digital transformation co-programmed partnership could contribute to steer European R&DI toward clean and digitalized transport. Its roadmap includes the technical and regulatory challenge of the Connected and automated transport: regulatory framework, cybersecurity issues, social acceptance, human-machine interaction and new business models. Cluster: Please indicate which Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility) cluster or work programme part this proposal is most relevant for and that you believe would be the most appropriate funding source. Relevant megatrends: The Accelerating technological change and hyperconnectivity; expert group supporting Aggravating resource scarcity; Changing nature of work; Changing strategic coordinating process security paradigm; Climate change and environmental degradation; for partnerships recently Continuing urbanization; Diversification of education and learning; developed a methodology to Widening inequalities (in education, work, health and gender and better assess the relevance of territorial inequalities); Expanding influence of east and south; European Partnerships as Growing consumption; Increasing demographic imbalances; instruments to address the Increasing influence of new governing systems; Increasing Union’s political priorities significance of migration; Shifting health challenges (find the full report here). Please indicate which if the following megatrends this proposal addresses: 34  9. One Health European partnership on One health – “1@Health” Lead FR Short description: Please Co-funded/-programmed. provide a short description Major consequences on sustainable development result from environment of the scope, the possible and health impacts of the biodiversity and ecosystem services loss: for ex., objectives and their land use change is responsible for 30% of emerging zoonotic diseases; we relevance for Horizon need to explore health impacts of exposure to chemicals and other Europe's expected impacts, environmental stress factors. Prevention of a wide spectrum of non- the current state of play, communicable and infectious diseases,in the context of major and quick and the type of partners environmental changes, requires massive research efforts. The effective you would consider implementation of one health is an ambitious challenge that the partnership necessary (private and/or will address: the EU needs this new scientific framework to mainstream public sector partners): biodiversity and health links at the nexus of agriculture and food,but also urban planning, climate and energy, water public policies...It will focus on interdisciplinary research,integrate social and economic aspects and involve all relevant stakeholders to strengthen science-based recommendations to policy makers and practitioners. Directionality: Please Research objectives: explain the expected objectives and impacts of • zoonotic spillover upstream anthropogenic drivers at human this proposal and their animal interface, agricultural practices, urbanization, relevance for EU policy fragmentation of habitats, strategies for prevention based on early priorities. detection of zoonotic emergences, models & scenarios for biodiversity and interlinkages between health and environment • ecosystem services and good quality of life, exposome and non- infectious diseases, healthy ecosystems functions and interactions management practices and monitoring through multi stakeholder dynamics, effects of stressors on ecosystems health, vulnerability and resilience • sustainable, low ecological footprint, healthy, safe, inclusive and resilient food systems ensuring food security, decreasing the negative environmental health impacts from food and beverage processing industries and downstream actors • health of marine ecosystems, impacts of climate change on seafood safety, use of antibiotics and pesticides in aquaculture Expected impacts: • economic: decrease in environment related non-communicable diseases in Europe; support public policies to reduce the risk of pandemics; increase food safety and sovereignty based on ecosystems resilience; tools for practitioners to foster sustainability performance and biodiversity • environmental: reduced pollutants use; resilience of natural resources, food and water security faced with climate change; methods and nature- based solutions to protect and restore ecosystems, habitats and species; decreased food chains environmental footprint • societal: healthier food for citizens and reduction of inequalities; 35  tackling drivers of change and emerging threats in vulnerable socio ecosystems and human nature interface; decrease food related environmental stressors and their impact on health • civil security: prevention, preparedness and resilience to cross border health threats; food and water security and safety; reduction of emerging infectious diseases through the natural resource and forest ecosystems management Additionality: Please The inclusion of the environmental component within this partnership is explain the EU added crucial. One health has been stated in resolutions of the CBD COPs (as well value of the proposed as CMS, CITES, UNCCD …) since 2014. The Kunming Montréal global candidate. biodiversity framework adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in December 2022 refers to “one health” as a scientific basis. OH, which considers human beings, animals and the environment as a whole, provides a pan-European and global framework to put such an approach into action. European initiatives have recently often referred to OH but it remains difficult to finance and implement it in practice because of the impossibility of joint calls between clusters, pillars and funding programs, such as Horizon Europe and EU4Health. Some partnerships identified in the first Horizon Europe strategic plan and which are currently being set up have expected scopes that can address One Health issues in terms of chemical and microbiological risks. However, they address them only in a partial and fragmented way, without providing a coherent “One Health” coverage of current or emerging issues. Clusters 1 and 6 also implement RIA calls referring to one health, but without the scale of a partnership, which of course should collaborate narrowly with the projects under these calls. The partnership fills the gaps between all those past, ongoing and planned initiatives. It provides an integrative framework, gathering member states and partners all over and beyond Europe, and go way further into the scientific support to the implementation of OH, particularly on ecosystem health. Coherence and 1@Health proposes a holistic approach addressing synergies with other synergies: Please explain initiatives: how this candidate will Water and Oceans mission focuses on European seas and oceans health and improve coherence and sustainability synergies within the EU R&I landscape Forest partnership candidate: promotes healthy, biodiverse and resilient forests providing a wide range of ecosystem services LIFE program: targets nature and biodiversity protection, improvements in air quality and ecological status of European waters, soils restoration and harmful chemicals reduction HERA project, 2021: develops targeted research on major environmental exposures of humans and ecosystems, drivers of changes and policy needs integrating environment, ecosystem quality and health by 2030 9 projects from H2020 on European Human Exposome Network address stressors (air quality, noise, chemicals, urbanization, and health impacts) Cancer mission: 1@Health has a broader scope, encompassing various aspects of health, including infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, environmental health… not only cancers Soil Health mission: recognizes interconnections between soil, ecosystem, and human health; stressing the importance of sustainable practices, scientific research and policy integration to achieve environmental health 36  preservation and overall well-being promotion Request by Eklipse and the EC- Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (EC- KCBD), 2021: report on Biodiversity and pandemics with recommendations on the strategic research agenda and the science-policy dialogue. EU4Health: wants to facilitate the uptake, further development and deployment of knowledge in cancer, pandemic preparedness and health systems fields HEU cluster 1 - CSA on the exposome, 2023: proposes a joint research agenda with a NIH exposome initiative The current landscape makes the case for adopting a holistic approach. The lack of social sciences is also an argument to develop 1@Health in a co- construction and interdisciplinary way. Existing initiatives: Several HEU initiatives adopt a One Health prism, but only partially. It Please explain what seems crucial to have a "comprehensive One Health approach” instrument currently ongoing to deal with these subjects in an integrative manner. initiatives this proposal One Health AMR partnership deals with antimicrobial resistance builds on and/or how it fits into the EU R&I Pandemic preparedness partnership addresses preparing for and managing landscape: emerging infectious diseases, once the pathogen has spread to humans PARC Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals develops next-generation chemical risk assessments to protect human health and the environment and deals with the chemical exposome HORIZON-HLTH-2023-ENVHLTH-02-01 on planetary health addresses environmental degradation and health impacts links Biodiversa + partnership is tackling the issues linked to the ecosystems and focused on biodiversity and health links. Even if the effort is going on in a next flagship project, it will not be enough to deal with the whole One Health issue HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-17 tries to adopt the right approach, but not sufficient to grow a sustainable community of researchers and practitioners Animal Health and Welfare partnership deals with preparedness against upcoming and emerging threats to animal health, including zoonosis and vector-borne diseases. the focus is not on the One Health approach Sustainable Food Systems for People, Planet & Climate addresses partially microbiological risks and food safety without comprehensive One Health coverage EJP OH program is fully in line with the OH approach, bringing together all the communities concerned by infectious risks, especially in the food chain. It has built up, federated a multidisciplinary community working in food safety/animal health/public health and demonstrated its ability to implement the OH approach with its 44 partners. The consortium forms a solid basis for continuing work on food safety, now including the environmental dimension, in conjunction with farming practices and new methods for food production Necessity test: Please The draft strategic plan 2025-27 states the ever-growing need for a global explain why a European response to increasing health challenges. Europe must address cross-border Partnership would more health threats such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic; the spread of effective in achieving the antimicrobial resistance; environmental factors in urban or rural contexts 37 objectives of this proposed creating exposure and health occurrences; the health impacts of climate candidate than traditional change. One Health is a way to build the resilience of ecosystems, ensure instruments (e.g. open safe and nutritious food and preserve human and animal health. calls): Expected results will be much more than the sum of separate partnerships and calls. By pooling and mobilizing resources towards common objectives, the partnership is the best instrument to support the deployment of One Health and increase the European Union’s resilience. It is a unique opportunity to create new multidisciplinary and holistic bonds to better understand and prevent infectious and non-infectious diseases in relation with the environment International cooperation is necessary in this partnership regarding rural, coastal, seas and urban areas. We want to promote a co-design process, engaging all stakeholders, from local to international levels in the prevention of emerging risks: local communities, health professionals, researchers, and field operators, along with decision makers from both the private and public sectors. In parallel, a cross-EU agency task force on One Health has been set up. It aims at promoting research coordination while identifying knowledge gaps in the work of the agencies and subsequently engaging with EU research founders. The Partnership PARCS and the OH EJP have already seen a close collaboration of EU agencies as either active partners or interested users of research results and this overarching context adds to the momentum for launching a OH partnership. Cluster: Please indicate Cluster 6 (Food, Bio economy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and which cluster or work Environment) programme part this proposal is most relevant for and that you believe would be the most appropriate funding source. Relevant megatrends: Accelerating technological change and hyper connectivity; Aggravating The expert group resource scarcity; Changing nature of work; Changing security supporting strategic paradigm; Climate change and environmental degradation; coordinating process for Continuing urbanization; Diversification of education and learning; partnerships recently Widening inequalities (in education, work, health and gender and developed a methodology territorial inequalities); Expanding influence of east and south; to better assess the Growing consumption; Increasing demographic imbalances; relevance of European Increasing influence of new governing systems; Increasing significance Partnerships as of migration; Shifting health challenges instruments to address the Union’s political priorities (find the full report here). Please indicate which if the following megatrends this proposal addresses: 38  10. Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership on Raw Materials for the Green and Digital European Partnership Transition Short description of the In light of proposal for the Critical Raw Materials Act that stresses the need candidate partnership of synergies with Member States the partnership will serve as a tool to coordinate Member States’ national R&I funding organisations through development of a joint Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda and development of joint calls for proposals on raw materials, co-funded by the EU. In addition, it will serve as an instrument to involve third countries. Services directly involved DG GROW, RTD, ENV, CLIMA, ENER, JRC Context and problem The raw materials in scope are metals, minerals, bio-based materials and definition elementary gases used in manufacturing, with a focus on materials analysed in the context of the EU Critical Raw Materials assessment.23 With the transition of Europe’s industry to climate-neutrality, the reliance on available fossil fuels will progressively be replaced with reliance on non- energy raw materials. For many of them, the EU sources from abroad and global competition is fierce. Those raw materials that are economically crucial and have a high supply risk are called critical raw materials since they are essential to the functioning and integrity of a wide range of industrial ecosystems. Access to raw materials has been identified as strategic security question to achieve the Green Deal objectives and ensure the green and digital transformation of the EU economy.24 Current supply risks, demand for multiple raw materials is expected to strongly increase across different sectors and technologies, especially renewables, e-mobility sectors, defence and aerospace as well as digitalisation (e.g. handheld devices use batteries, sensors and motors; data is stored on drives containing permanent magnets; etc.). The EU’s own production accounts for only 4% of the global supply chain of critical raw materials used in the production of digital equipment, such as palladium, tantalum, or neodymium.25 At the same time, reaching our clean energy goals will require increasing amounts of various raw materials, e.g. a 3500% increase in the use of lithium, a key component for electric mobility. Chile currently holds 40% of lithium deposits, while China hosts 45% of its refining facilities worldwide.26 In addition, a 330% increase in the use of cobalt, and a 30- 35% increase in the use of aluminium and copper are expected.27 The Critical Raw Materials Act will introduce several measures to address these dependencies and supply risks. 1. Each MS will have to set up a national exploration programme for critical raw materials. This will require technologies for exploration, such as - 23 CRM Act 2023, to be updated once adopted 24 COM(2019) 640 final 25 China alone accounts for 86% of the global supply of neodymium. Palladium is mostly provided by Russia (40%), and tantalum by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (33%). European Commission (2020). Critical Raw Materials for Strategic Technologies and Sectors in the EU: a foresight study. 26 European Commission (2020). Critical Raw Materials for Strategic Technologies and Sectors in the EU: a foresight study. 27 Metals for Clean Energy: Pathways to solving Europe’s raw materials challenge, KU Leuven and Eurometaux, 2022 39  mineral mapping, geochemical composition of soils, sediments, rocks, geoscientific surveys. 2. EU, domestic extraction at least 10% of annual consumption. Extraction technologies for Strategic Raw Materials. 3. EU, domestic processing at least 40% of annual consumption. Processing and refining of Strategic Raw Materials. 4. EU, domestic recycling of at least 15% of annual consumption. Recycling of Strategic Raw Materials. This is from electronic waste and mining waste. MS will have to develop a list of thousands of mining waste facilities with a goal of identifying economically recoverable amounts of raw materials from extractive waste. 5. Diversifying sourcing from third countries – no more than 65% of a strategic raw material should come from a single country. Under the 2021 Industry Strategy, in-depth reviews of EU’s strategic dependencies were performed.28 They revealed EU’s high dependency on raw materials, classified in the energy intensive ecosystem as well as with wider importance and implications across several other ecosystems. This was furthered analysed in the second in-depth review in 2022 with rare earths and magnesium as showcases.29 Furthermore, the review states that developing domestic capacities and diversifying sources of supply along the value chain will be instrumental to significantly reduce the existing strategic dependencies and avert the risk of replacing them with new ones, particularly in the area of critical raw materials.30 The COVID-19 pandemic and Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in several disruptions in supply chains, providing a need for more consideration of raw materials supplies for security, defence and aerospace. Therefore, the European Council stressed the need for more streamlined action on raw materials in March 2022.31 In the 2022 State of the Union speech, President von der Leyen announced the work on the Critical Raw Materials Act, underlining that soon, lithium and rare earths will become more important that oil and gas.32 The Act will set a new scene for EU action to secure supplies of raw materials. The Green Deal Investment Plan announces the need to massively increase the technological development, manufacturing production and installation of net-zero products and energy supply in the next decade. To make this happen access to relevant critical raw materials is required.33 The challenges related to Research and Innovation have been outlined in the CRM action plan34. Integration of R&I programmes for raw materials on international, EU, national and regional level is necessary to ensure access to novel technologies that will facilitate supply diversification from different sources. The EU 28 https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2021-05/swd-strategic-dependencies-capacities_en.pdf 29 https://ec.europa.eu/docsroom/documents/48878/attachments/2/translations/en/renditions/native 30 COM(2022) 289 final 31 https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/54773/20220311-versailles-declaration-en.pdf, Informal meeting of the Heads of State or Government, Versailles Declaration, 11 March 2022 32 https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/ov/SPEECH_22_5493 33 COM(2023) 62 final 34 COM(2020) 474 final 40  needs to play a key role in coordinating joint efforts of Member States, Associated Countries and like-minded third countries. The existing ERA-NET on raw materials (ERA MIN 3) will expire in 2025. It is crucial to ensure continuation of such an instrument and expand its activity building upon the expertise and coordination mechanism developed. This will support coordination of funding from national funding institutions in the entire raw materials value chain. The European Technology Platform on Sustainable Mineral Resources (ETP SMR) issued a policy brief in December 2022 calling for R&I action in raw materials. The Platform announced developing a research agenda that will support evidenced-based planning of raw materials calls in 2025-2027. Objectives and expected The objectives for this partnership are: impacts 1. Cover the materials in scope, in particular focus on Critical and Strategic Raw Materials as defined in the proposal for the CRM Act.35 2. Develop sustainable and carbon neutral exploration, extraction and refining technologies that will enable improving domestic sourcing of raw materials for the EU industry and consumers. 3. Develop cost-effective recycling technologies (collection, sorting, refining, design, traceability), especially for emerging green and digital sectors that will contribute to creating an EU market for secondary raw materials. 4. Develop solutions for mining waste and tailings valorization, which will reduce the use of primary resources and maximize the output of extracting operations. Utilizing mining waste will also limit environmental impacts of tailings. 5. Develop skills among graduates and young researchers in raw materials research areas, resulting with a skilled workforce for the industry and academia. 6. Foster international cooperation in raw materials with like-minded countries, especially with representatives of national administrations and research organisations. Particularly, the following activities are in the scope: -Facilitating third countries participation in joint R&I projects on raw materials, with building stakeholders capacity and know how to participate in such activities. This will create bridges for future cooperation in HE projects and other initiatives. -Engaging relevant public institutions from third countries for joint programming of R&I calls for proposals. This will facilitate best practice sharing on R&I needs between EU and third and ways of creating adequate public support to R&I. 7. Coordinate EU and Member States’ efforts in programming R&I calls for proposals and ensuring and/or boosting the commitment from national funding agencies among the whole raw materials value chain. 8. Widen the participation of EU Member States that were not yet in ERA-MIN and facilitate participation of less represented Member States. 35 CRM Act 2023 (to be updated once adopted) 41  9. The Partnership will facilitate participation of less represented 3rd countries in Horizon Europe projects, through mobilizing them to cooperate in international projects. This can be achieved much more effectively under the partnership than by individual countries and through classical Horizon calls which are much bigger in scope. Than by acting alone. 10. Strong focus will be paid to attracting new partners, from not participating countries, regions less represented in Horizon projects so far and third countries. 11. To jointly support development and implementation of a programme of R&I activities. 12. Ensuring commitments from national authorities to fund R&I on raw materials and ensure consistency in research priorities that will facilitate implementation of the CRM Action Plan and objectives of the CRM Act. These objectives are based on the Critical Raw Materials Action plan from 2020 and the proposed Critical Raw Materials Act and accompanying Communication. Delivering these objectives will require coordinated R&I solutions from the R&I community on a European level, linking relevant raw materials deposits with know-how providers and economic operators. The main expected impacts are increasing access to primary raw materials and secondary raw materials, in particular critical raw materials, for EU industrial value chains and strategic sectors. The Partnership will continue supporting SMEs, newcomers, widening countries and international cooperation with mining producing countries and technology advanced countries, and also small size projects that complement the classical Horizon projects. Necessity test: rationale for European supply chains of raw materials have been facing multiple a European Partnership challenges in recent years that Europe was not prepared for. Among those challenges were the supply shortages caused by lockdowns all over the world, the subsequent prolonged delivery times due to overpacked ports, invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and protectionist policies of key global players. These challenges show a very clear need for stronger and systematic EU action. R&I is one of the key elements in improving access to raw materials and making the EU industry more resilient and competitive. In order to achieve this, apart from traditional calls for proposals from EU framework programmes, commitment from EU Member States/Associated Countries to fund R&I in raw materials is indispensable. Such research should be coordinated in order to create synergies between EU and national policies, researchers between countries and raise awareness about the importance of raw materials R&I contribution to sustainable sourcing. This new partnership comes in a momentum where strong efforts from EU and national institutions are needed to develop feasible solutions in raw materials motivating and mobilising all the stakeholders under a common, strongly supported transnational banner. In addition, the new partnership will be able to harness the synergies of already-created networks to develop further research capabilities. The support to R&I can be extended to strategic third countries, in line with the CRM Action Plan, and supporting the EU strategic partnerships with 42  third countries. This will allow ensuring access to knowledge, skills and markets and promote responsible sourcing with technological solutions allowing its achievement. Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following clusters/work ☒ Cluster Digital, Industry and Space programme parts Currently identified links Under Horizon Europe the candidate partnership fits under Cluster 4 with other partnership (Digital, Industry and Space). Direct link is made with calls for proposals in candidates / Union raw materials and with existing co-programmed partnerships – Processes programmes for Planet and Clean Steel. A link with Cluster 5 (Energy, Climate and Mobility) also exists, regarding raw materials used specifically for energy applications, particularly for batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. The co-funded partnership would complement the funding offer from the above clusters by filling the gap for low TRL research, mainly 1-3. Successful projects from this candidate partnership are intended to pave the way towards upscaling projects supported under the EIT Raw Materials and the European Raw Materials Alliance, where a (TRL) of at least 5 at the beginning of the project is required. Therefore, the partnership will be complementary to the EIT activities. We have observed successful precedence of this uptake with the ongoing ERA-MIN projects. As stated in the Communication accompanying the CRM Act, the Commission will work on the uptake of R&I results by the European Innovation Council. In this regard, projects from the co-funded partnership will also be relevant for such uptake. Previous EU initiatives and The partnership builds on the existing ERA-NET ERA-MIN3 (2022 - 2025 investments in the sector and its predecessors ERA-MIN 2 (2016 – 2022) and ERA-MIN (2011- 2015). ERA-MIN focused on low TRL innovative R&I projects of small scale in partnership with SMEs as well as large industry. ERA-MIN3 covers the entire raw materials value chain, from sustainable exploration, extraction, and processing technologies to remining and recycling, as well as substitution of critical raw materials. The on-going ERA-MIN3 comprises a progressive, pan-European network of 25 public research funding organisations from 15 Member States countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden), three MS regions (Spain-Navarra, Belgium- Flanders and BE-Wallonia), one Associated Country (Turkey), three third countries (Brazil, South Africa and the province of Québec in Canada). The existing ERA-MIN boosted research funding commitments and allowed the EU to also create international links that further strengthen cooperation in raw materials technologies, sourcing and business investments. ERA-MIN budget was EUR 70M, out of which EUR 10M was directly provided by H2020. Expected type and The partnership will build on existing ERA-MIN3 partners from EU composition of partners Member States national funding organisations and third countries. These partners are national funding institutions covering the raw materials research area. The ERA-MIN3 partnership encompassed 31 projects with total combined investment of EUR 20M. 43  The partnership will put strong emphasis to expanding the existing ERA- MIN 3 participation to new Member States and third countries, especially for countries with which the EU has concluded strategic partnerships on raw materials but also other like-minded countries willing to cooperate with EU partners in the R&I on raw materials. This will be one of the EU proposals in roadmaps negotiated with partnership countries. Contributions and The existing ERA-MIN proved to successfully align the funding and commitments expected thematic priorities, attract new countries and regions and increase from partners constantly the financial input to the initiative. Expanding this network and better aligning to EU policy priorities is necessary to reach EU policy objectives. Tentative Union Based on the Horizon 2020 experience and estimates by the ERA-MIN contribution for the entire coordinator, the Commission expects that the partners could contribute duration of the partnership around EUR 30M annually, which would mean a total of EUR 210 for (in EUR millions) 2025-2031. The EU would co-fund 30% achieving a total budget of EUR 280M. Currently envisaged ☐ Co-programmed European Partnership implementation mode(s). ☒ Co-funded European Partnership ☐ Institutionalised European Partnership ☐ Article 185 ☐ Article 187 ☐ EIT-KIC Justification of the The co-funded mode of collaboration with the EC will offer to this new implementation mode partnership a high and attractive European visibility, also on the global scene. An invaluable leverage effect in the amount of funds mobilised by the participants is to be expected, as illustrated in the Horizon 2020 ERA- MIN instrument. Duration 2025-2031 44  11A. Resilient Cultural Heritage General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership for Resilient Cultural Heritage European Partnerships Short description of The aim of the partnership is twofold: to strengthen the means of the candidate preserving Europe's cultural heritage (CH) and to contribute to climate partnership neutrality in other sectors by bringing forward traditional and innovative practices, techniques and materials resulting from CH research. It is proposed to draw on traditional - as well as emerging - skills, techniques and materials to provide innovative solutions, assessment systems and mitigation strategies along with risk management models for cost- effective preservation of CH assets in times of climate change and related risks. Services directly DG RTD and DG EAC in cooperation with DG CLIMA, DG CNECT, involved DG EMPL, DG GROW, DG REGIO, DG ENV, DG ECHO, DG MARE and DG AGRI Context and problem The introduction of a specific destination in Cluster 2 of Horizon Europe definition (HE) demonstrates the recognition of an outstanding value of CH36 for Europe’s societies, Europeans’ sense of belonging and Europe’s future. In the HE 1st strategic planning it was agreed to put forward a targeted partnership to secure the future of European CH, especially with regard to the most pressing needs. For several years, the international research community has been warning about the unprecedented speed and scale of cultural losses or damaging impacts of the climate crisis on tangible and intangible cultural heritage.37 For example, in the Mediterranean region, there is a high number of ancient cultural properties, including 49 World Heritage Sites (WHS), in coastal sites barely above sea level.38 Adaptation methods and protection standards vary considerably from one country to another due to their socio-economic differences, which means that numerous cultural assets, even WHS, are not sufficiently protected against coastal hazards. Another example concerns the Carpathian Mountain region: In this region with many manor houses, castles, sacred buildings and historic villages and towns, widespread landslides have occurred since the 1990s, because of the intensification of extreme rainfalls. The natural propensity for slope failure has often been overlooked, as has the potential risk of landslides.39 36 Definition of cultural heritage mentioned in the Council conclusions of 21 May 2014 on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (2014/C 183/08) and recalled in the European Framework for Action on CH: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/5a9c3144-80f1-11e9-9f05-01aa75ed71a1 37 Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of 27 February 2022, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability – Summary for Policymakers, https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-ii/ ; ICOMOS Climate Change and Cultural Heritage Working Group. 2019. The Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Cultural Heritage in Climate Action, July 1, 2019. Paris: ICOMOS; Strengthening cultural heritage resilience for climate change - Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu) prepared under the open method of co-ordination (OMC) 38 Reimann, L., Vafeidis, A.T., Brown, S. et al. Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage at risk from coastal flooding and erosion due to sea-level rise. Nat Commun 9, 4161 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-06645-9 39 The landslide risk has threatened 445 historic sites in Poland, 12 of which are located on active landslides. See Laskowicz, Izabela & Mrozek, Teresa. (2019). Zagrożenie zabytków dziedzictwa kulturowego ruchami masowymi na obszarze Karpat (non-official title’s translation: Threats to cultural heritage monuments from mass movements in the Carpathian region). Przegląd Geologiczny. 67. 369- 376. 10.7306/2019.3 45  Yet, few studies have explored these aspects, leaving CH managers and policy makers in many regions with little information on potential adaptation options. More research and documentation are, therefore, needed to design and adapt CH planning and management to the emergence of specific threats progressively recognised as the new dramatic challenges for CH.40 The current state of play and the identified gaps in knowledge and structural deficiencies at EU and MS/ACs levels strongly argue in favour of a common vision and targeted research investments that can also benefit other sectors.41 As put forward by the group of experts from 28 EU MS/AC working on the topic under the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022, only 10 MS and one AC mention CH in their national climate-related policies. Meanwhile, CH can play a significant role in the green transition.42 It should profit from further research to underpin the leading role of Europe in the CH field. By leveraging historical and economic information on climate change trends and by experimenting and seizing opportunities in terms of new and long-standing skills (including through prioritising upskilling and reskilling in the sector), materials, techniques and technologies, CH has the potential to provide affordable and accessible answers to the problems of climate change and to contribute to limiting its impact on our societies, their living heritage, cultural landscapes and natural environment. Objectives and The proposed partnership will facilitate interactions and knowledge expected impacts transfer with other economic sectors: cultural and creative sectors and industries (CCSIs), territorial planning and infrastructures, construction, agricultural and forestry policy, as well as blue economy sectors, regional growth and rural development.43 CH can play a more decisive role in promoting innovation and sustainable solutions with science, economic, social and environmental impact in line with the European Green Deal objectives.44 A database of all cultural heritage sites with risk levels, in particular in coastal areas and under water, including action required, would result in recommendations for appropriate action and evidence- based policies to protect cultural heritage and adaptive strategies for future impacts of climate change. The partnership’s general OBJECTIVES are to: 1. Increase the capacity-building by fostering new application-oriented research collaborations between the CH and climate research communities, to promote innovations in industries and to provide 40 See point 44 in the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan (Decision 1/CMA.4 (unfccc.int) 41 Strengthening cultural heritage resilience …report underlines the lack of research on the impact of climate change on the indoor conditions and stability of museum collections and written heritage gathered in archives and libraries, the lack of knowledge of the intangible aspects of heritage at risk (p.18), the lack of research on the role of existing and non-new buildings in the low-carbon economy and embodied energy (p.21); see specific section of the report entitled Research and innovation: indispensable drivers 42 See above 43 See above and European Cultural Heritage Green Paper produced by Europa Nostra in close cooperation with ICOMOS and the Climate Heritage Network, with the input of other members of the European Heritage Alliance, and supported by the European Investment Bank Institute and the Creative Europe EU programme. https://www.europanostra.org/our-work/policy/european-cultural- heritage-green-paper/ 44 See European Industrial Strategy; https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/european-industrial- strategy_en; Strengthening cultural heritage resilience …report - 10 recommendations to EU and its MS 46  scaled-up solutions and policy strategies for climate change mitigation and prevention; 2. Strengthen and broaden the contribution of CH R&I in the context of the UN SDGs and EU policies on green and digital transitions, societal inclusion and resilience. The following specific objectives should be achieved by 2030: 1. Stimulate interdisciplinary research and knowledge exchanges between several European regions, which although geographically disparate, present common challenges; 2. Disseminate new knowledge, techniques, skills, strategies and materials for sustainable preservation, conservation, and management of climate-related risks in the CH field as well as preventing from other man-made related risks such as pillaging and illicit trafficking; 3. Contribute to the implementation of the European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage.45 In terms of expected IMPACT by 2030 and beyond, the partnership will contribute to the development of evidence-based policy and/or legislation with a view to a. building national and regional capacity to encourage the use of research-driven and innovative long-standing applications for sustainable CH assets, making a stronger and measurable contribution of tangible and intangible CH as well as natural heritage, to EU growth and social cohesion; and b. better structuring the CH R&I system in Europe and co-ordinate common actions and strategies by all relevant players and decision- makers from various levels and areas of responsibility. As long-term impact (by 2040), the partnership will seek to make CH play an active role in the transition to more sustainable socio-economic and governance models in EU MS and HE ACs. Necessity test: The candidate partnership is expected to develop a framework for a rationale for a holistic and strategic approach to R&I in the field of CH and climate European Partnership change responses on a scale that no MS/AC or the European Commission (EC) could achieve alone. Researchers and MS/AC experts strongly call on the EU and its MS and HE ACs to propose new actions at European level, including R&I area to adapt CH to natural disasters and enable it to mitigate climate change.46 CH research projects are the indispensable drivers for policies and implementation and may be beneficial to other sectors through inter- and multidisciplinary research and innovation. In addition, the partnership may embrace prevention and mitigation of damages caused by natural disasters or armed conflicts. To overcome the current fragmentation along national contexts and make a European Research Area in the field of CH a reality, the partnership is necessary. A co-funded partnership will contribute to improved policy uptake of 45 See in particular selected actions under pillar 2 (Smart solutions for a cohesive and sustainable future) pillar 3 (Safeguarding endangered cultural heritage) and pillar 4 (Mobilising knowledge and research) at https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/- /publication/5a9c3144-80f1-11e9-9f05-01aa75ed71a1 46 The OMC report Strengthening cultural heritage resilience … stresses the need for research on a wide range of topics, such as the economic costs of climate change adaptation/mitigation, specifically for cultural and natural heritage; data collection mechanisms; data analysis; capacity building and upskilling of experts (see also footnote 7 above); https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/44688 47  comparative and transdisciplinary R&I results among relevant national authorities and other stakeholders. Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following ☒ Cluster Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society clusters/work programme parts Currently identified The partnership should address climate change issues that impact cultural links with other heritage on both a national and global scale. Therefore, synergies will be partnership candidates created between Cluster 2, Cluster 4 and 5, and if appropriate with other / Union programmes HE Clusters. The partnership should further explore synergies with the New European Bauhaus (NEB)47 to which HE contributes, including through its Cluster 2, as well as with the Partnership for a climate-neutral, sustainable and productive Blue Economy. In addition, there may be common objectives that cross over with missions such as the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change48 and with the Mission Restore Our Ocean and Waters as coastal and underwater CH sites are at high risk of climate change negative impact. Moreover, the partnership will be strongly linked to the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s Knowledge and Innovation Community - EIT Culture & Creativity, which will gradually start its activities in 2023. Given the wider thematic scope of the EIT Culture & Creativity, there is no risk of overlap between its activities and this partnership. The common aim is to foment and widen to as many MS/ACs as possible a culture and creativity driven European innovation ecosystem. The ecosystem will be enriched in the future by the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH) to be developed and implemented under Cluster 2 calls from 2023 onwards. The ECCCH will be a unique digital collaboration and co-creation platform for European CH professionals, expected to contribute decisively to make Europe a world leader in deploying digital technologies in CH preservation. An additional link will be established with the DIGITAL Europe Programme that aims inter alia to accelerate the digitisation and digital preservation of CH assets, both tangible and intangible, and their use in education, sustainable tourism and CCSIs.49 Previous EU Latest R&I FP have financed several projects on CH and climate change- initiatives and related risks.50 Past and on-going initiatives in various areas of the EU investments in the action may also contribute to a solid base for the partnership.51 sector 47New European Bauhaus: beautiful, sustainable, together. (europa.eu) 48 Adaptation to climate change (europa.eu) 49 See Digital Decade objectives in https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/europes-digital- decade-digital-targets-2030_en 50 See FP7 - HERITAGE PLUS initiative and its three projects: PROTHEGO - PROTection of European Heritage from GEO-Hazards; HeAT - Heritage and Threat, and CLIMA - Cultural Landscape risk Identification, Management and Assessment 51 ERA-NET CHANSE (Collaboration of Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe), HERA (Humanities in the European Research Area) and NORFACE (New Opportunities for Research Funding Agency Co-operation in Europe) as well as Copernicus for Earth observation or common European data space for cultural heritage for digital cultural heritage. 48  Investments of approximately €600m under Horizon 2020 include contributions on which the partnership can be built.52 Moreover, the "Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda" adopted in 2020 by the Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage and Global Change (JPI CH) has been designed to complement HE to best address current CH research needs such as responses to climate change.53 It proves the relevance of further work on the CH and climate change consequences. Not only past or recently ended EU-funded R&I projects but also nine on- going projects under HE, as well as the ARCHE three-year CSA project (Alliance for Research on Cultural Heritage in Europe, 2022-2025) have been paving the way towards the partnership.54 There are currently no partnerships related to cultural heritage, nor any partnerships under Cluster 2 of HE Pillar 2. The partnership has a good potential for synergy with the recently launched EIT KIC for Culture & Creativity.55 Expected type and The core partners will be MS/ACs: their respective competent ministries, composition of key CH institutions, universities and other research organisations. Further partners expected partners are representatives of research funding agencies as well as public enterprises that are active in the CH field. The interest of non- academic, industrial partners as well as foundations and NGOs will be essential to change the perception of CH from being a beneficiary rather than an active player in devising new and more human-centred technologies and strategies. For a joint and holistic approach, it will be important for as many MS/ACs as possible to join from different geographical areas. Contributions and The EC expects a majority of MS/ACs to contribute financially and in- commitments kind. expected from Partners can contribute in two ways: partners 1) through external calls for proposals in the thematic and cross-thematic R&I domains of this partnership (using Financial Support to Third Parties); 2) or through in-kind activities, which are distinct from and complement the financial support to external calls. This can relate, for instance, to the coordination and implementation of “in-house” activities, the collection, provision, and/or analysis of joint data sets, the set-up of knowledge hubs, or the provision of advice, guidance and support to the effective governance of the partnership. 52 See for example three projects: PERICLES - PrEseRvIng and sustainably governing Cultural heritage and Landscapes in European coastal and maritime regionS; HERACLES - Heritage Resilience Against Climate Events on Site, and STORM - Safeguarding cultural heritage through Technical and Organisational Resources Management as well as to as well as research infrastructures: DARIAH (Digital Research Infrastructure for the Arts and Humanities), E-RIHS (European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science) and CLARIN (Common Language Resources and Technology Infrastructure). 53 WHITE PAPER Cultural Heritage and Climate Change: New challenges and perspectives for research, JPI-CH and JPI Climate, March 2022, https://www.heritageresearch-hub.eu/app/uploads/2022/03/White-Paper-March-2022-OK-revision-nm-18_05.pdf 54 For selected past projects and infrastructures see for example CHERISH project (total investment of almost €5m) or footnotes 14 and 16 above, and for HE ongoing projects (total investment over €32m) see Driving a green, digital & innovative European cultural heritage - Publications Office of the EU (europa.eu) as well as for ARCHE (almost €3m investment), project selected under HORIZON- CL2-2021-HERITAGE-02-02: Coordination of European cultural heritage research and innovation among MS 55 https://eit-culture-creativity.eu/about-us/ 49  To do so, partners can mobilise financial assets and/or in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are non-financial assets that are being put at the disposal of a partnership and can be used in the context of external calls (e.g. a research infrastructure) or of in-kind activities (e.g. a dataset for use in a common R&I programme). Partners should also provide administrative support to the partnership, as well as support policy and societal uptake of results, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of research results where relevant and agreed. Tentative Union Depending on future discussions with MS/ACs on their commitments, contribution for the an EU contribution of €100 million is expected from the Cluster 2 entire duration of the budget over the last three years of Horizon Europe (2025-2027). partnership (in EUR millions) Currently envisaged ☒ Co-funded European Partnership implementation mode(s). Justification of the The core purpose of the partnership is to join forces and co-ordinate implementation mode actions between different MS/ACs and the EC, with a view to achieving the kind of impacts, which are only possible when policies are co- ordinated, and synergies fully exploited. Therefore, a co-funded European research partnership is considered the most suitable implementation model of the partnership. Duration 2025-2032 (and possibly beyond) 11B. Resilient Cultural Heritage: Coastal Cultural Heritage addition Lead MT Short description: Please Coastal cultural heritage sites are being severely impacted by climate provide a short description change. Documenting these sites through Remote Sensing to monitor of the scope, the possible their status would allow for assessment and action where needed. objectives and their Partnering with entities which have been involved in research on the relevance for Horizon impact of climate change and development of adaptive tools could prove Europe's expected useful when applied to level of risk on cultural heritage sites. A database impacts, the current state of all cultural heritage sites with risk levels and action required would of play, and the type of result in recommendations for appropriate action and evidence-based partners you would policies to protect cultural heritage and adaptive strategies for future consider necessary impacts of climate change. Presently studies are being coordinated (private and/or public through projects which include Coastal Sage, Coastal Common and sector partners): CHERISH. Partners would include public sector including NGOs and potentially private sector which could provide guidance on innovative technology. Directionality: Please Objectives: explain the expected • Develop complete database of all coastal heritage sites and status objectives and impacts of this proposal and their using Remote Sensing and GIS for public entities to utilize and later be accessible to the public 50 relevance for EU policy • Assess impact of climate change on listed coastal heritage sites priorities. • Determine level of risk to sites • Establish priorities based on risk level • One of the key priorities is to assess climate change and impact on coastal sites • Increase citizen involvement in protection and monitoring of coastal sites being impacted and increase • citizen science projects • Assess collective memory and how this affects society Additionality: Please explain the EU added value of the proposed candidate. Coherence and Synergies will be created between Cluster 2, Cluster 4 and 5. The project synergies: Please explain will address climate change issues that impact cultural heritage on both how this candidate will a national and global scale. improve coherence and Further to the above, This partnership has a immense potential for synergies within the EU synergy with the recently launched EIT KIC for Culture & Creativity. R&I landscape Existing initiatives: Involvement in Coastal Sage, Coastal Common and CHERISH as well Please explain what as BCT Hubs projects that relate to protection of cultural heritage both currently ongoing on land and underwater using innovative technology can be expanded to initiatives this proposal remote sensing projects related specifically to cultural heritage. builds on and/or how it fits EU and R/I landscape has a clear focus to deal with climate change and into the EU R&I coastal erosion impacts on cultural heritage. The aim to reduce landscape: emissions to zero, and implementation of the Green Deal will be interconnected with the above concerns and driven by its results. National policies for preservation of cultural heritage could be designed following evidence-based research to offer methods that adapt cultural heritage to these threats, alongside management plans. Further to the above, This partnership has a immense potential for synergy with the recently launched EIT KIC for Culture & Creativity. Necessity test: Please Rather than having another partnership on Cultural Heritage, the explain why a European information provided in this section in relation to Coastal Cultural Partnership would more Heritage should be part of the actual Resilient Cultural Heritage effective in achieving the Partnership. objectives of this proposed As the issues are global, expertise from other European nations along candidate than traditional with commitment to shared visions and policies will be instrumental in instruments (e.g. open ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage. calls): Cluster: Please indicate Cluster 2 (Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society) which cluster or work programme part this proposal is most relevant for and that you believe would be the most appropriate funding source. 51 Relevant megatrends: Climate change and environmental degradation The expert group supporting strategic coordinating process for partnerships recently developed a methodology to better assess the relevance of European Partnerships as instruments to address the Union’s political priorities (find the full report here). Please indicate which if the following megatrends this proposal addresses: 52  12. Social Transformations and Resilience General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership on Social Transformations and Resilience European Partnerships Short description of the The Partnership will create a transformative R&I programme between social candidate partnership (30 sciences and humanities (SSH) to enable inclusive sustainable development words max) and social and economic resilience in the light of changes in climate and environment, technology, demography, and potential unexpected shocks. It will develop knowledge and tools to address contemporary multifaceted social challenges in a collaborative, interdisciplinary and systematic way. Services directly involved Directly involved are Cluster 2 co-chairs DG EMPL; DG R&I; DG EAC Context and problem Europe is undergoing critical social transformations driven by macro drivers definition of change, such as the green and digital transitions and demographic change. Recent events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are having wide-ranging impacts and have accelerated most of these trends. If not addressed properly, these developments pose structural challenges to the European social and economic model, which could widen existing inequalities, impede behavioural change, erode trust and public support for scientific and policy solutions, and even damage the fabric of our democracies. For these reasons, it is paramount to leverage the wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities (SSH) to increase the resilience of our societies and strengthen their ability to respond to crises and face the challenges as well as seize the opportunities brought about by the macro drivers of change. Europe, with its diversity in institutional settings, welfare state regimes, labour market institutions, and cultures, is a natural laboratory for testing new solutions to live up to these challenges. A partnership focused on studying these social experiments and testing their chances of being transposed to different settings can prove to be an invaluable asset in helping to effectively modernise our social protection systems and education and training institutions. This, in turn, would contribute to protecting and strengthening the resilience of the European social model, based on fair working conditions and social dialogue, ensuring a smooth transition to the future of work and laying the groundwork for equal and inclusive societies. The SSH R&I community will also be tasked with imagining different scenarios, offering policy and foresight analysis, as well as recommendations to help EU, national and regional authorities design policies with solid analytical underpinning and reach the ambitious target committed by the EU and the Member States (e.g. SDGs, Paris agreements, EU Green Deal, European Pillar of Social Rights). Results and outcomes should be presented in a multidimensional and interdisciplinary way, covering economic, employment, social, education, training and lifelong learning and other fair transition related actions and indicators. Distributional impact, behavioural change and gender differences should be considered as well. The proposed Partnership builds on activities undertaken under Horizon Europe, H2020 and previous Framework Programs, to further develop excellent interdisciplinary research and innovative methods addressing these multifaceted social challenges, in a collaborative and systematic way. 53 Objectives and expected The partnership’s objectives are to: impacts • Strengthen the knowledge base in Europe and develop innovative solutions to tackle critical social transformations driven by the green and digital transitions and demographic change; • Provide policymakers at European, national, and regional level with evidence-based recommendations that can inform new strategies and policies to address these social transformations; • Increase the resilience of EU societies to global crises and external shocks; and • Build capacity among the R&I community and policymakers to respond to long-term socio-economic changes. Innovations and scientific results achieved will contribute to reaching EU priorities on the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Green Deal, including the Fit for 55 package (and notably the Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality), and strengthen the European Research Area and the European Education Area. Other relevant EU strategies and initiatives include: the European Skills Agenda, the Pact for Skills, Europe’s Digital Decade, the Digital Education Action Plan, the Social Economy Action Plan, the European Care Strategy, the EU Gender Equality Strategy, the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee, the Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages in the EU, the Commission proposal on Improving the working conditions of platform workers, and the Youth employment support. They will also contribute to the implementation of SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 10 (Reducing Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Furthermore, activities will add value through European collaborative and interdisciplinary research, exploring factors of institutional and behavioural change and stasis. Activities will develop innovative solutions to societal challenges and support policymakers, social partners and the R&I community with their successful implementation. In terms of expected impacts, the Partnership will inform evidence-based policy setting for: • Supporting the modernisation of social protection systems and essential services (in the context of demographic changes, ageing societies, climate change adaptation and digitalisation, and particularly for groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion) • Shaping the future of work (access to quality jobs, under decent working conditions, re-/up-skilling for the future workforce, job transitions in green and digital sectors, new forms of work organisation, gender-equal, inclusive workplaces). • Fostering education and skills development in the context of the green and digital transition (including EU mobility policies and help counter social, economic, and political inequalities; contributing to a comprehensive European strategy for inclusive growth and upward convergence). 54  • Contributing to a fair transition, in line with the Council recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality. Necessity test: rationale for • The nature and magnitude of the social transformations that Europe is a European Partnership undergoing coupled with the heterogeneity in policies and institutional settings across Member State call for knowledge and resources sharing, and long-term, concerted actions (based on a joint strategy and vision) from R&I funders and national authorities. A partnership will allow for the necessary long-term coordination of funding strategies (by developing a strategic research agenda) and help avoid unnecessary duplication of research and innovation efforts. • The leverage effect of a co-funded partnership would be very important in fostering European cooperation and breaking down fragmentation in SSH research. This would be a strong contribution to the new ERA as well. • Inequalities and fair transitions fall within the shared competences, while education and training are policy fields mainly in the remit of EU Member States. A co-funded partnership will therefore contribute to strong ownership and improved policy uptake of comparative and transdisciplinary R&I results among relevant national authorities, stakeholders and social partners. Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following clusters/work ☒ Cluster Culture, creativity and inclusive society programme parts Currently identified links This Partnership would cooperate closely with the following partnerships to with other partnership ensure SSH knowledge is taken up and better mainstreamed in existing candidates / Union Partnerships: programmes - Clean Energy Transition Partnership of Horizon Europe; - Made in Europe - processesr4planet - European partnership on transforming health and care systems - EIT Climate-KIC - EIT Digital - EIT InnoEnergy - EIT Manufacturing - EIT Urban Mobility The Partnership can also help increasing the outreach of EU Missions, involving relevant stakeholders, such as social partners and civil society organisations, and integrating SSH expertise in their work. This is particularly relevant for the mission on Adaptation to Climate Change and the mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. The Partnership would seek synergies in particular with the following programmes: - European Structural and Investments Funds, especially the European Social Fund+. This includes mainstreaming and scaling up R&I solutions to foster social integration of people at risk of poverty and 55  social exclusion by equipping people with the skills and competences needed for evolving demands of the labour market. Synergies with the ESF+ can also be exploited to promote human capital development in R&I through up/reskilling to make the ERA fit for the green and digital transition (following annex IV of the Horizon Europe legislation). - Erasmus Plus: in line with the partnership’s objectives on fostering inclusive education and training, synergies with the Erasmus Plus programme will aim at informing teaching and education policies with the latest findings from the SSH field on societal challenges, including demographic changes, digitalisation, and climate change. Previous EU initiatives The candidate Partnership builds on the following initiatives: and investments in the • ERANET Co-fund – DIAL (Dynamics of Inequality Across the Life- sector Course structures and processes) – End date: 31/10/202156 • ERANET Co-fund – CHANCE (Collaboration of Humanities And Social Sciences in Europe) – End date: 28/02/202657 • ERANET Co-fund – HERA JRP PS (HERA Joint Research Programme Public Spaces: culture and integration in Europe) – End date: 31/07/202258 • ERANET Co-fund – NORFACE (New Opportunities for Research Funding Agency Cooperation in Europe)4 • ERANET Co-fund- GENDER-NET Plus (Promoting Gender Equality in H2020 and the ERA) - End date: 30/09/202359 • JPI MYBL (Joint Programming Initiative ‘More Years, Better Lives’)60 Expected type and National and regional research and innovation funding agencies, composition of partners governmental organisations, social partners, employment/education/R&I ministries and agencies. A good geographical balance of the EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries will be important. Contributions and Partners can contribute in two ways: commitments expected 1) through external calls for proposals in the thematic and cross-thematic from partners R&I domains of this partnership (using Financial Support to Third Parties); 2) or through in-kind activities, which are distinct from and complement the financial support to external calls. This can relate, for instance, to the coordination and implementation of “in-house” activities, the collection, provision, and/or analysis of joint data sets, the set-up of knowledge hubs, or the provision of advice, guidance and support to the effective governance of the Partnership. To do so, partners can mobilise financial assets and/or in-kind contributions. In-kind contributions are non-financial assets that are being put at the disposal of a partnership and can be used in the context of 56 https://www.norface.net/program/dial/ 57 https://chanse.org/about-chanse/ 58 https://heranet.info/projects/public-spaces-culture-and-integration-in-europe/ 4 https://www.norface.net/ 59 https://gender-net-plus.eu/ 60 https://jp-demographic.eu/ 56  external calls (e.g. a research infrastructure) or of in-kind activities (e.g. a dataset for use in a common R&I programme). Partners should also provide administrative support to the Partnership, as well as support policy and societal uptake of results, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of research results where relevant and agreed. Tentative Union 50 – 60M EUR Union contribution contribution for the entire duration of the partnership (in EUR millions) Currently envisioned ☒ Co-funded European Partnership implementation mode(s) Justification of the A co-funded partnership would allow for optimal partner composition and implementation mode contributions approach (research funding agencies; employment/education/R&I ministries; financial contributions, implementation by public organisations), a high and attractive European visibility and the increased R&I scale and capacity that is needed for R&I to deliver on addressing social transformations and inequalities. We envision that an estimate total budget of EUR 100 – 120M, with a Union contribution of 50%, where the consortium carries out a larger number of integrative activities, would allow the expected outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Duration 2025-2032 57  13. Solar Photovoltaics General Information Proposed title of the European Co-Programmed Partnership on Solar Photovoltaics (PV) European Partnerships Short description of the The Partnership will promote the industrial engagement in PV R&I to candidate partnership support the innovation ecosystem across the full PV value chain. It will represent the R&I pillar of the EU Solar PV Industry Alliance. Services directly involved DGs CLIMA, RTD, ENER, GROW, JRC Context and problem • The REPowerEU Plan, published in May 2022, sets out the measures definition necessary to reduce Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels, as well as to accelerate the green transition and to increase the resilience of the EU energy system – all of which relies on the massive and rapid deployment of renewable energy and especially Photovoltaics with a dedicated EU Solar Energy Strategy. • In 2020, solar PV delivered around 5% of total EU electricity generation. To meet the EU Solar Energy Strategy overall target of 320 GW of PV capacity to be achieved in the EU by 2025 (representing a doubling compared to 2020 levels of EU capacity) and almost 600 GW by 2030, the EU will need to install, on average, 45 GW of PV generation capacity per year. • To meet the REPowerEU and the EU Solar Energy Strategy objectives — and avoid replacing a dependency on Russian fossil fuels with new dependencies — the EU Solar Energy Strategy announced the launch of an industrial alliance on PV solar energy. • The “EU Solar PV Industry Alliance”, formally endorsed on 11 October 2022, brings together industrial actors, research institutes, and other stakeholders with an interest in the solar PV sector. The alliance aims to accelerate solar PV deployment in the EU by scaling-up to 30 GW of annual solar PV manufacturing capacity in Europe by 2025, facilitating investment, de-risking sector acceleration, and supporting Europe’s decarbonisation targets. • The Commission has also put forward a Net-Zero Industry Act to scale up the manufacturing of strategic net-zero technologies in the EU (including PV) with the aim to domestically manufacture at least 40% of its clean energy technology needs by 2030. Objectives and expected Overarching objectives: impacts ▪ Enable European industry to foster the green and digital transitions and at the same time defend its open strategic autonomy, preserve its competitiveness on the global market, maintain a high level of employment and quality jobs in Europe and strengthen its ability to innovate and produce in Europe. ▪ Contribute to the overall Horizon Europe 35% Climate Action expenditure target, the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU. ▪ Contribute to the objectives of the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Net-Zero Industry Act of the Green Deal Industrial Plan. 58  ▪ Support the R&I pillar of the “EU Solar PV Industry Alliance” and consequently facilitate the build-up of a large-scale PV manufacturing capacity in Europe. Specific objectives: ▪ Reinforce and better coordinate the EU R&I efforts across the whole solar PV value chain. ▪ Invite an enhanced involvement of EU industrial and research communities in the co-creation and implementation of the EU R&I strategy in this area, to amplify the mobilisation and synergies of the human capital and material resources in this critical sector. ▪ Enable European leadership in an innovative and value-creating PV industry across the entire value chain, thus tackling its vulnerabilities/dependencies/gaps and leading to job creation, through accelerating the deployment of industrial projects. ▪ Further promote Europe’s competitive advantages, for example by fostering circularity by design, recycling, maintenance & end-of-life management of PV systems; thus decreasing the dependence on imported materials and anticipating the challenge of best use of planet resources. ▪ In terms of technological focus, the Partnership is to cover: 1. Next generation PV cells & module technologies (e.g. crystalline Si- tech, thin-film, perovskites etc.) across the whole value chain. 2. Emerging innovative PV deployment applications (e.g. agri-PV, building-integrated PV, floating PV) for an optimal use of renewable energy potential in synergy with other economic sectors’ needs and biodiversity. 3. Integration of PV in flexible energy generation systems. 4. Circularity by design, recycling, maintenance & end-of-life management of PV systems. 5. Enabling technologies and tools for demonstrating and scaling up of next generation PV solutions. Necessity test: rationale for The current Horizon Europe investments (through dedicated topics) are a European Partnership clearly not enough for supporting the huge challenge of rebuilding an innovative, job-creating PV industry in its full value chain (including upstream advanced manufacturing) as required by the REPowerEU, the EU Solar Energy Strategy and the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The proposed Partnership would allow for a stronger and synergistic involvement of EU industrial (and research) communities in the co- design/co-creation of the EU R&I strategy in this area, by setting common objectives and working towards impactful targets. Such a coordinated, well framed, and long-lasting effort would amplify the mobilisation and engagement from industry and galvanize its R&I capacity in this critical sector by bringing predictability and continuity to the EU PV value-chain stakeholders. In addition, private partners would be committed to support with their own funds additional activities, not funded through Horizon Europe, on issues such as market deployment, skills development or regulatory aspects in line and coordination with the EU Solar PV Industry Alliance strategic priorities. 59  This stronger and better framed R&I co-operation between PV stakeholders would hopefully nurture the innovation ecosystem across the full PV value chain. It will thus support the scale-up of innovative and competitive PV manufacturing capacity in Europe contributing to the achievement of the EU energy, industrial and climate policy objectives. Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following clusters/work ☒ Cluster Climate, Energy and Mobility programme parts Currently identified links The Partnership would represent the R&I pillar of the new EU Solar PV with other partnership Industry Alliance. candidates / Union The Partnership will build upon and is fully complementary to the existing programmes initiatives in Europe in the Renewable Energy area, such as the ongoing co- fund partnership (Clean Energy Transition (CET) Partnership) of the SET Plan. The European Technology & Innovation Platform (ETIP) PV is expected to engage and contribute. Furthermore, potential synergies could be sought with the HE partnerships Build4People (e.g., for solar rooftop applications), Clean Hydrogen, Made in Europe, the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the InnoEnergy KIC. Previous EU initiatives and There are no Partnerships with industry in the RES area. There is only a co- investments in the sector funded partnership, the Clean Energy Transition (CET) partnership that brings together EU national funding bodies with the aim to boost and accelerate the energy transition and to support the implementation of the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan). The budget for the 7 years duration (EUR 210 million of EU commitments and expected commitments from national funding bodies of EUR 581 million) is covering the full renewable/clean energy scope. Expected type and ▪ The Partnership will be a public-private Partnership to promote the composition of partners collaboration between EU research and industry in Photovoltaics. ▪ On the side of industry, this would involve key stakeholders from the full solar PV value chain, encompassing raw and advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, innovative applications (integration in agriculture, buildings, vehicles, etc.) and recycling. ▪ Concretely, this would necessitate representation from industrial and research associations (such as SolarPower Europe, the ETIP PV, etc.). The international opening of this partnership needs to consider that the PV value chain in Europe is under the risk of a strategic dependence. The partnership should develop Europe’s competitive advantage and strategic autonomy to develop capacities and attract private investors. The aim will be to re-create a sensitive PV ecosystem in an open, transparent manner that is fully compliant with competition rules while maintaining international collaborations for a resilient global supply chain. Contributions and Expected contributions from the private stakeholders include financial commitments expected contributions, skills development/training, promotion of market/societal from partners uptake, market deployment. Tentative Union R&I in PV is supported under the Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Destination 3: contribution for the entire Sustainable, Secure and Competitive Energy Supply. Today, the overall funding for PV in Work Programmes 2021-22 and 2023-24, stands at EUR ~280 million, across 17 topics at various TRL levels. The proposed co- 60 duration of the partnership programmed partnership will be funded by the Cluster 5 Destination 3 (in EUR millions) budget, in an analogous way that PV R&I is supported today by this part of the Horizon Europe programme. Currently envisaged ☒ Co-programmed European Partnership implementation mode(s). Justification of the The objective of the partnership being to mobilise industrial resources and implementation mode build capacity, the partners need to belong to the private sector. The public sector is sufficiently engaged (with help of the co-funded Clean Energy Transition Partnership) in the SET Plan implementation in the area of clean energy technologies, including solar PV. The co-programmed approach was therefore preferred to the co-funded one. The establishment of an institutionalised Partnership in this area is disregarded at this stage due to the associated time- and resource-intensity. A co-programmed Partnership offers the required level of coordination, whilst simultaneously maintaining a high level of flexibility in its governance ensuring that the Commission maintains a substantial level of “control” and input in terms of priority programming under Horizon Europe. Duration 2025-2027 (end of the programming period, implementation of calls and execution of projects beyond 2027) and the next Framework Programme. 61  14. Sustainable Fuels as Energy Carriers Lead FR Short description: Please Co-programmed partnership that will engage industry, research & societal provide a short description stakeholders along the value chain, working with policy makers to support of the scope, the possible coordinated R&I activities and investments, creating a European objectives and their innovation ecosystem on Sustainable Fuels (SFs), i.e. synthetic renewable relevance for Horizon fuels (RFNBOs) & advanced biofuels. SFs are fossil-free high energy Europe's expected impacts, density carriers for storing/distributing renewable energy where other the current state of play, and carbon-neutral solutions (e.g. electrification) are not/not yet adapted. SFs the type of partners you integrate with existing infrastructures in multisectoral applications from would consider necessary mobility (e.g. aviation, maritime) to hard-to-abate industrial sectors (e.g. (private and/or public sector cement, steel, chemicals). They play a key role in the EU energy transition partners): towards a resilient circular economy, contribute to the EU climate, sustainability, sovereignty & competitiveness goals. The partnership will accelerate SFs development and uptake, building on a critical mass of EU/MS projects, initiatives and platforms including SUNERGY. Directionality: Please The EU has a powerful R&D landscape of industrial players, academia and explain the expected NGOs active in the field of SFs but efforts are currently uncoordinated at objectives and impacts of EU level. The RED III Directive gives binding targets for the uptake of SFs this proposal and their in transport and industry: 5,5% (> 1% advanced biofuels/biogas + relevance for EU policy RFNBOs) in transport and 42% of H2 from RFNBOs for industry by 2030, priorities. 60% by 2035. Without an effective coordinated effort, these targets won’t be met. The objectives of this proposal are: - Coordinate efforts for reducing costs across the whole value chain/TRLs by strengthening and synergising the EU R&I; - Involve the EU R&I and societal stakeholders in the co-creation and implementation of EU strategy; - Create continuity and synergy in actions between high and low TRL research and technology; - Make use of existing fuel manufacturing and distribution infrastructure to save costs and accelerate technology uptake; - Accelerate long-term disruptive routes, e.g. artificial photosynthesis, synthetic biology or bio-inspired/biomimetic approaches, microalgae-based biofuels; - Valorize technology and knowledge developed for SFs to manufacture other fossil-free energy vectors such as chemical building blocks; - Collaborate with complementary EU and MS initiatives and platforms; - Contribute to the ambitions of the EU Energy Union including the Green Deal, the Clean Energy for All Europeans and Fit for 55 packages, the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, the SET-Plan, the Net Zero Industry Act regulation proposal and the EU’s 2050 carbon neutrality strategy; - Contribute to REPowerEU and EU energy sovereignty goals by developing alternatives to imported fossil-resources; - Introduce societal impact as a driving factor for the selection of technologies; 62  - Contribute to the harmonization EU/MS national market strategies/regulations in the field of SFs to prioritize key sectors; - Support EU in creating stronger links with relevant international initiatives/platforms to catalyse global progress. Additionality: Please The EU currently lacks a consistent framework to coordinate R&I and explain the EU added value investments for SFs along the value chain and across multiple sectors. A of the proposed candidate. partnership will overcome this gap and capitalise on EU’s strong industrial and research expertise and accelerate progress towards EU targets. EU industry is investing several B€ in SFs: the CCU Projects Database identifies 69 ongoing or upcoming industrial projects for producing synthetic renewable fuel and chemicals in Europe. The 20 most advanced ones represent a production capacity of 750 ktons/y of renewable fuels and chemicals by 2025, and more than 1500 ktons/y by 2030. The main focus is the cost of indirect processes (e.g. e-fuels, fuels derived from thermochemical processes and Concentrated Solar Power). The EU and MS are also investing several hundred M€ in R&I for the direct conversion of solar to chemical energy (i.e. artificial photosynthesis for direct solar fuels) towards a decentralized, resilient circular production. Ongoing R&I and investments in Europe on advanced biofuels (2nd generation and the forward looking, promising 3rd generation microalgal biofuels) aim at improving efficiencies to minimize land use, and to integrate processes. Coordinating efforts between these actions, accelerating the information exchange across TRLs, and generating a rational, coherent exploitation path is necessary now to reap the benefits starting in 2030. Moreover, the technology and knowledge associated with SFs can be used to decarbonise the manufacture of commodity chemicals, another key aspect of a transition to a circular economy, in collaboration with the European partnerships Processes4Planet and the Circular Bio-based Europe on bio-sourced chemicals. A SFs partnership will solve the current fragmentation of activities and scattering of resources, help grow and retain skills and investments in the EU and support cooperation to achieve the objectives and tackle the challenges outlined in section 3.1. Coherence and synergies: There is currently no European private-public partnership dedicated to SFs Please explain how this that coordinates scattered initiatives and efforts. The Clean Hydrogen candidate will improve Partnership focuses on H2, which for some applications is a fuel and energy coherence and synergies carrier and a key enabling molecule for the synthesis of higher energy within the EU R&I density SFs – thus there is a clear complementarity between SFs and Clean landscape Hydrogen as the synthesis of SFs will require hydrogen. SFs are also included in the Clean Energy Transition co-funded partnership along with many other clean energy technologies. But being a fully public partnership, it does not allow a strong participation of industry. Additional relevant Horizon Europe partnerships with complementarities and potential synergies with the SFs candidate partnership are: Processes4Planet, Clean Hydrogen, Clean Aviation, Clean Energy Technology Partnership and Circular Bio-based Europe. Synergies could also be built with other partnerships, including Key Digital Technologies, Clean Steel, Zero-emission Waterborne Transport, Water4All as well as in Pillar 3, with the EITs InnoEnergy, Climate-KIC and Urban Mobility. In relation to candidate partnerships, synergies could be built in particular with the partnerships on materials (I’M for EU), the Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition and the Solar Photovoltaics. The SUNERGY European initiative, as one of the initiators 63  of the SFs partnership proposal, participates in an ongoing dialogue with a number of these partnerships to discuss possible collaboration. Moreover, alignment and cooperation with member states R&I and industrial strategies in SFs will be essential and a special point of care of the partnership. This proposition already has garnered the support of several MS, and the topic of SFs is of noted interest for several other MS. Existing initiatives: Please The proposed partnership builds upon the work of existing explain what currently European/national initiatives and networks, particularly SUNERGY, a pan- ongoing initiatives this European initiative involving stakeholders from industry, academia, RTOs, proposal builds on and/or societal players and end-users, and EU and national networks and platforms. how it fits into the EU R&I It works with policy/decision makers and international organisations and landscape: initiatives (e.g. Mission Innovation, International Energy Agency) to expand its global outreach. Through the Horizon Europe SUNER-C CSA project (2022-25), the EC has given SUNERGY a mandate to develop the sustainable fuels & chemicals community further and to establish an R&I long-term roadmap and prepare “a large-scale research and innovation initiative beyond the CSA, as a partnership or another instrument to be discussed and agreed upon with the Commission and the Member States and Associated countries”. The partnership will also build on several existing platforms, including CO2 Value Europe (industry-driven initiative) which represents the European Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) community and the European Energy Research Alliance (especially the Joint Programme on Bioenergy), both members of SUNERGY/SUNER-C). Other initiatives which are strongly related to SFs partnership proposition are the Renewable and Low- Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance, the eFuel Alliance, the Alliance for Zero Emissions Aviation, the European Technology Innovation Platform (ETIP) Bioenergy (on biofuels), the European Waste-based & Advanced Biofuels Association and Bioenergy Europe. There are already established contacts with part of those initiatives and others will be contacted shortly to discuss cooperation, given a SFs candidate partnership. Necessity test: Please At present, the EU does not have a consistent framework to support R&I in explain why a European the field of sustainable fuels, but rather scattered initiatives and projects, Partnership would be more both at EU and national level. The EU needs to address this gap to accelerate, effective in achieving the improve and scale-up technologies as well as to develop solutions – objectives of this proposed including next generation ones – with high impact. candidate than traditional The proposed partnership thus aims at bringing together industry, instruments (e.g. open research, societal stakeholders, EU and national decision makers in an calls): effort coordinated at EU level. Thus, it will support the European innovation ecosystem on SFs along the full value chain and accelerate progress in this field, enticing industry to continue investing in Europe. A partnership dedicated to SFs will enhance the coherence of the European R&D activities in the field of SFs. Duplication of work and investments will be prevented, and R&D efforts streamlined under the umbrella of a stringent and targeted Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda. A co-programmed partnership will be able to associate private partners with EC and MS via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The contribution of the EU will be implemented via open calls in the Horizon Europe Work Programmes following a long-term roadmap. The MoU will specify the objectives of the partnership as well as the expected commitment and contribution of partners. 64  This public-private co-programmed partnership proposal on sustainable fuels is explicitly supported by many key global industrial actors and industrial networks, with currently 27 industrial supporters – large and medium-sized companies, SMEs from different sectors – and 40 academic and network supporters. The most up-to-date list of supporters can be found at https://sunergy-initiative.eu/industry/. It will continue growing as potential supporters contact the SUNERGY initiative to endorse the letter. Cluster: Please indicate  Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility) which cluster or work programme part this proposal is most relevant for and that you believe would be the most appropriate funding source. Relevant megatrends: The Aggravating resource scarcity; expert group supporting Climate change and environmental degradation; strategic coordinating process for partnerships Expanding influence of east and south; recently developed a Growing consumption. methodology to better assess the relevance of European Partnerships as instruments to address the Union’s political priorities (find the full report here). Please indicate which if the following megatrends this proposal addresses: 65  15. Textiles of the Future General Information Proposed title European Partnership on Textiles of the Future of the European Partnerships Short The candidate partnership aims at boosting the innovation capacities in the textiles description of ecosystem by supporting emergence and deployment of innovative sustainable and circular the candidate solutions and fostering the generation of talents. partnership Services DG.GROW, DG.RTD, DG.ENV, JRC. directly involved Context and Context and problem definition problem definition The textiles ecosystem61 is an important pillar of the EU economy, accounting for 3.1% manufacturing value added and 6.2% of manufacturing employment. 99% of the companies in the sector are SMEs. Its value added (EUR 86.3 bn in 2019) registered a 13.5% growth rate from 2015 to 2019. The textiles and clothing industry has seen strong export performance over the past decade: 39% of EU turnover is sold on the global markets and during the period 2010-2019, exports increased by 58%. The sector covers a long supply chain: from production of fibres transformed into yarns, then into fabrics and then into final products in textiles and apparel. It supplies other industries, including healthcare, agriculture, construction and automotive and is closely connected to the creative industries, in particular design, retail, and others. The sector also embraces textiles related services and labelling. The industry stands out on the global market with its quality and heritage, know-how, but also its creativity and innovation. Europe annually exports technically advanced high- quality textile-based products worth over € 50 billion to the rest of the world. Europe is also highly recognised for its innovative brands and high-end goods. Quality & innovation are the main drivers for the EU T&C competitiveness, as confirmed by the number of patents (1303, compared to 869 for China or 692 for the US) or industrial designs (over 200,000 for the EU; less than 50,000 for the US and 20,000 for China). To maintain the global innovation lead also in a future digital and sustainable world, we will need to massively increase efforts in research, sustainable and circular production and technology development, innovation, creativity, and skills development. Textiles are the fourth highest-pressure category for primary raw materials and water and fifth for GHG emissions. The share of synthetic fibres has grown massively reaching over 65% percent of global annual fibre production today with the rest made up of natural fibres, mostly cotton and a relatively small share of mostly wood-based man-made cellulosic fibres. Bio-based textile fibres are made of plants, most often leftovers of other industries, and may result in lower 61 The textiles ecosystem includes the textiles, clothing, leather and footwear industries 66 CO2 emissions, reduced water consumption and decreased use of toxic chemicals. Fast fashion impacts the environment considerably and it is linked to the growing use of fossil-fuel based synthetic fibres. European consumption of textiles has the fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change (after food, housing, and mobility). The EU produces 5 kg of textile waste per capita. Data on textiles recycling at global level estimates that less than 1% of materials used to produce clothing is recycled into new clothing. By 2025 Member States need to comply with the requirement to separately collect textile waste to prioritise re-use and scale up recycling. The Commission envisages to propose mandatory targets for preparing for re-use and recycling of textile waste in 2024. The industry has strong competition from third countries and a very high share of imports (73% of fashion products in the EU are imported). The European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan, the 2021 update of the EU Industrial Strategy and the recently adopted EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles stress the urgency of accelerating the European clothing and textiles sector towards sustainability and circularity. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles aims to ensure that by 2030, textile products have a longer life, are recyclable, made as much as possible from recyclable material, are free of hazardous substances and are produced respecting social rights. The New European Bauhaus has identified textiles as an area of huge potential for the transformation of our economy and supports the creatives of the sector to drive change towards a sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive future. Innovation supporting the development of high-quality sustainable bio-based fibres, making textiles last longer and be upcyclable and recyclable, and later making possible the circulation and uptake of recycled textile fibres is key to reduce the environmental and energy footprint of the sector. To make all this possible, investments are necessary in circular and sustainable management, scaling up industrial upcycling, collection, assisted or automated sorting and recycling of textiles, and in innovative, sustainable, and techno-economically feasible production processes, including for fibres. The EU has a unique chance to become global pioneer in textile upcycling and recycling processes and innovative circular and sustainable production technologies, and ultimately become the exporter of the know-how of sorting and recycling machinery. Why a European Partnership on Textiles? • To set up a more strategic, coherent and impact-oriented approach contributing to the delivery of priorities defined under the EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles and the new EU legislation on sustainability and circularity (mainly Ecodesign, Digital Product Passport, Extended Producer Responsibility, revision of EU Textile Labelling Regulation). • To co-design funding priorities on research and innovation with the industry in one of Europe’s most pressing challenges - the circular and sustainable transition of the textile ecosystem – by defining a long-term vision that is agreed and committed to by the respective sectors, aligning research and innovation agendas, creating a critical mass of funding in strategic areas, and accelerating deployment and increasing the impact. • To bring together and directly involve all sectors of the textiles ecosystem across its value chain. 67  The textile sector and research community is currently impelled to search for fragmented small-scale funding opportunities across various parts of the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme. The launch of a dedicated research partnership at EU level can end this fragmentation and unite all players along the value chain. A European Partnership on Textiles would complement the support provided by the European Textile Platform and Stakeholder associations like EURATEX, ECCIA62 or the European Fashion Alliance. Bottlenecks like education providers need to urgently be included in such a partnership to bridge the skills gap in the sector, as digital and greener skills will be an important factor to assure the survival of the European textile sector. Objectives - The strategic objectives of the partnership will be: and expected - to support creative solutions to reduce waste and overproduction (from the design impacts phase), with innovative production practices and new business models that take into account the repairability and recyclability of products; - to increase textile-to-textile recycling capacity in the EU and to develop sorting and processing technologies and processes giving the emerging textile recycling industry competitive edge globally; - to support design as a driver for sustainable innovation and circularity in the textile/fashion industry; - to enable digital transformation of the textiles ecosystem as a move towards circular and sustainable production methods and processes; - to stimulate skills development in the ecosystem to meet the needs for technological advancement for new approaches for digital and smart specialization, and to strengthen collaboration between education and businesses. The following impacts are expected: • Knowledge & innovation capacity: development of innovative, sustainable and techno-economically feasible production processes; development of textile sorting and recycling technologies at commercial scale; development of resource efficient textile processing technologies, development of new business models. • Sustainability: establishment of sufficient capacities for innovative fibre-to-fibre recycling; establishment of partnerships along the value chain, such as the existing textile recycling hubs across Europe; increased production capacity for textile products with recycled textile fibres. • Digital transformation: development and industry adoption of innovative sector specific digital solutions for greater efficiency and competitiveness; enabling SMEs in using digital technologies to respond to regulatory and market requirements related to sustainability and circularity, including mapping of consumers’ needs to prevent overproduction (e.g. Digital Product Passport, use of digital technologies for stocks monitoring, opening up access to new business/revenue models, reaching consumers and raising their awareness about more sustainable textile consumption etc.); • Education & Human Capital: job creation potential for sorting and recycling of textiles waste; new educational processes and tools responding to digital/green skills; digital/green reskilling and upskilling of the ecosystem; more attractive sector to skilled and young entrepreneurs and employees, new business models, trainings on eco-design, consumer engagement on slow fashion, modular more sustainable home furniture and overproduction reduction. Necessity A partnership approach at EU level is more effective in achieving the aforementioned test: rationale objectives than traditional Framework Programme regular calls because: for a 62 European Cultural and Creative Industries Alliance 68 European • The magnitude of the challenges that need to be addressed require knowledge sharing Partnership and long-term, concerted actions from a broad range of stakeholders across the whole value chain; • Currently, the sector and the research community are impelled to search for fragmented small-scale funding opportunities across various parts of the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme, which may lead to inconsistent research activities without overarching strategic orientation. A dedicated research partnership at EU level for the sector can end this fragmentation. It will bring together and directly involve all sectors of the textiles ecosystem across its value chain (producers, sorters, collectors, recyclers and waste managers), including creatives and designers, and thus facilitate the design of a common research framework that is agreed and committed to by the respective sectors. • It sets up a more strategic, coherent and impact-oriented approach, contributing to the delivery of EU priorities on sustainability and circularity and, where relevant, creating synergies with other European partnerships; • It can incentivise the commitment of innovation actors for a longer time, which may facilitate the continuation of activities once the EU earmarked financial support is phased-out; • It allows planning and synchronising the different calls and activities towards the achievement of the overall goal of the partnership, while each subsequent call would build on the results of previous calls. The partnership will strengthen ownership by industry, achieve scale by aggregating demand by researchers, designers and other users, and pool existing capacities and expertise at all levels. Private partners will be committed to support with their own funds the partnership’s objectives as specified in the memorandum of understanding to be agreed once the Partnership is validated. Planned Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' under the following ☒ Cluster Digital, Industry and Space clusters/work programme parts Currently The Partnership will support the implementation of the Circular Industrial Technology identified Roadmap for Textiles and will create synergies with: links with Made in Europe Partnership: The Partnership will exchange and align strategic concepts other with the Made in Europe Partnership, which could complement the Partnership in partnership technological foresight and in manufacturing-related job creation. The scope of the candidates / proposed Partnership will be broader, complementing with a focus on sustainability in Union relation to textile fibres and textile-to-textile recycling. programmes European Partnership Process4Planet: The Partnership will exchange and align strategic concepts with the European Partnership Process4Planet which could complement the Partnership in developing and deploying innovation for circularity and decarbonisation of European process industries. Particular attention will be paid to Hubs for circularity. Circular bio-based Europe: The partnership will exchange and align strategic concepts with the Circular Bio-based Europe Partnership which could complement the Partnership in detecting renewable and bio-based sources able to play a key role in circularity and strategic raw-material autonomy. The Partnership calls can be nourished with research results from preceding work under these related Partnerships or under relevant clusters of Horizon Europe. Moreover, as the Partnership should be operational from 2025, it will allow a transition period to coordinate on synergies and align on funding priorities with other relevant partnerships/CBE as well as the European Institute of Technology (EIT) Knowledge and Innovation 69  Communities (KIC) e.g. EIT Manufacturing, EIT Culture and Creativity, EIT Climate-KIC. Further cooperation between the Partnership and other initiatives, such as the New European Bauhaus, are envisaged and will be ensured.63 The Partnership will engage intensively with both technology-focused initiatives and climate/circular-oriented initiatives. Synergies will be also ensured with the European Social Fund Plus, particularly as regards modernising education and training systems and providing flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities for the industry. The Partnership would benefit from existing infrastructures in the textile stakeholder ecosystem like the Textile ETP and ReHub initiative and could therefore become active quickly after the respective necessary steps have been undertaken. Previous EU There is no European partnership in the area of textiles. The Partnership will not directly initiatives build on active partnerships but will have links and will build close synergies with other and partnerships – see section above. investments Furthermore, the Partnership will build on textile-related previous and currently planned in the sector investments under Horizon Europe. The following calls have been dedicated to textiles under Horizon Europe: ➢ For the period 2021-2022: • HORIZON-CL6-2021-CIRCBIO-01-04: Increasing the circularity in textiles, plastics and/or electronics value chain – topic planned budget 22M€ • HORIZON-CL6-2021-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-06: Increasing the environmental performance of industrial processes in bio-based sectors: construction, woodworking, textiles, pulp and paper and bio-chemicals – topic planned budget 7M€. ➢ For the period 2023-2024: • HORIZON-CL6-2023-CircBio-02-2-two-stage: Novel, sustainable and circular bio-based textiles – topic indicative budget 14M€ • HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-32: Bioinspired and biomimetic materials for sustainable textiles (IA) – topic indicative budget 31M€ • HORIZON-CL6-2024-CircBio-01-2: Circular solutions for textile value chains based on extended producer responsibility (IA) – topic indicative budget 14M€ • HORIZON-CL6-2024-CircBio-02-1-two-stage: Circular solutions for textile value chains through innovative sorting, recycling, and design for recycling (RIA) – topic indicative budget 15M€. Expected The ambition of the partnership is to bring together representatives of the entire type and textiles life cycle. EU industry associations like EURATEX64, representing the textiles and composition clothing sector, are ready to lead the Partnership in cooperation with other industry of partners organisations. To take a broader perspective on the textile ecosystem and to cover leather and footwear a cooperation with respective stakeholders like COTANCE65 and CEC66 should be installed. The above-mentioned stakeholder are European umbrella organizations representing national associations for companies in the sector. Sectoral innovation clusters represented by EU-TEXTILE 2030 will ensure impact of the partnership at SME level in 63 One of the thematic axes of the NEB is "The need for long-term, life-cycle thinking in the industrial ecosystem", which mentions among others the textile sector. One of the actions of the dedicated Commission Communication (adopted in Sept. 2021) refers to the co-creation of a transition pathway towards a green, digital and resilient textiles ecosystem, to complement the EU strategy on textiles. The first call of the Worth Partnership Project II was dedicated to the NEB, with 65 innovative business ideas selected to go through an incubation programme. The Worth Partnership project covers lifestyle industries, including fashion and textile, footwear, leather and fur, furniture/home decoration/interior design, jewellery and accessories. 64 European Apparel and Textile Confederation 65 Confederation of National Associations of Tanners and Dressers of the European Community 66 European Footwear Confederation 70  regional industrial ecosystems across Europe. The research and higher education community will be represented by European networks of RTOs (Research and Technology Organisations) such as TEXTRANET, AUTEX and NETFAS, TEXTILEINSTITUTE and EuroTeQ, to enable access to the research results to participants across the value chain. The European Fashion Alliance will represent the creative side of the sector including independent labels. Moreover, the Bureau of European Design Associations will promote design, educate companies about the benefits of design for them and its strategic role in redefining the industry’s value change and raise the awareness of the impact of design in conceiving and processing more sustainable textile products. Contacts have been established with these stakeholders who have shown interest to contribute to the partnership. Altogether, they cover all segments of the textiles ecosystem and gather adequate knowledge and experience from the industry and research community required to address the partnership objectives. The ensemble of the confederations and research networks supporting this Partnership proposal ensures a broad coverage of EU Member States. Leading European fashion and design brands, waste management (sorting and recycling) industry representatives and environmental NGOs (such as ECOS67), including social enterprises active in reuse, repair and recycling should also be part of the Partnership. The partnership will have the ambition to remain inclusive and to recruit new members particularly with a view to expand its R&I expertise. Contributions Private sector stakeholders will provide in-kind and/or financial contributions to co-fund and the R&I activities in line with the general financing rules of Horizon Europe. Those are to commitments be made explicit at the latest by the time the MoU with the Commission is signed. The expected Textile ETP, an established legal entity, could serve as Secretariat of the Partnership, from partners supporting stakeholders in making effective use of the programme and funding opportunities through dissemination, brokerage, consortia development. The members should contribute to the partnership and its strategic research and innovation agenda with respective additional activities and share best practices as well as crucial information, which could contribute to achieving the partnership goals. Tentative Commission’s contribution is planned for 30M€. Union contribution for the entire duration of the partnership (in EUR millions) Currently ☒ Co-programmed European Partnership envisaged implementati on mode(s). Justification A Co-programmed European Partnership will be best suited as the ambition is to foster a of the strong engagement from industry. They should be in the driving seat of the partnership. The implementati proposed governance is based on the assumption that EURATEX, ETP and other European on mode Confederations representing the interests of the European TCLF industry and leading European fashion brands, sorting and recycling industry representatives and environmental NGOs can be the private partner in the partnership. Duration 2025-2027 (end of the programming period, implementation of calls and execution of projects beyond 2027) 67 ECOS is the Environmental Coalition on Standards https://ecostandard.org/ 71  16. Virtual Worlds General Information Proposed title of the European Partnership for Virtual Worlds European Partnerships Short description of the The partnership will shape the next frontier of virtual worlds, including candidate partnership metaverses, reflecting the Digital Decade 2030 vision based on common European values, principles and strategic interests: virtual worlds and metaverses that are open, interoperable, trustful, secure, human-centric, preserving privacy, respecting our legislation, inclusive, and offering opportunities to everyone. The focus will also be on creating business opportunities for companies of all sizes and the value for people. Services directly DG CNECT, DG EMPL, DG GROW, DG DEFIS, JRC, DG REGIO, DG involved ENV, DG RTD, DG JUST, DG SANTE, DG EAC Context and problem Physical and digital realities are blending, giving birth to numerous virtual definition worlds and metaverses. This opens up a wide range of innovative possibilities across many industrial sectors (e.g., cars, manufacturing or logistics) as well as in societal areas (e.g., health and education), cultural sectors and entertainment (e.g. fashion, design, arts, video games, media, etc). The economic prospect is huge. The global market size forecast is 800 billion EUR by 2030 at a 39.1% Compound Annual Growth Rate, directly creating employment for some 440,000 to 860,000 people [ECORYS]. Another study forecasts the impact on sectorial markets by 2030 to be of between $2 trillion and $2.6 trillion on e-commerce, $180 billion to $270 billion on the academic virtual learning market, a $144 billion to $206 billion impact on the advertising market, and a $108 billion to $125 billion impact on the gaming sector [MCKINSEY] While it clearly offers beneficial new opportunities for EU businesses and individuals, it also poses significant societal and ethical challenges (such as safety, privacy, security and cybersecurity, health issues prevention, inclusiveness, accessibility). The Commission would like to see the next wave of the Internet and Web4.0 to be open and human-centric from the outset, offering opportunities to everyone, not only focusing on business opportunities but also on important societal challenges such as healthcare and fair green and digital transitions. In the last decades a largely uncoordinated and unregulated development of the Web has led to the prevalence of proprietary systems and gatekeepers, which the Commission would like to avoid regarding virtual worlds and metaverses. Openness, interoperability, standards, protocols and a performant infrastructure should be at the heart of it. A strong and multi-disciplinary Partnership is needed to develop and promote a thriving industrial and end-user ecosystem in the EU, covering all the aspects of the virtual worlds value chain, while actively engaging with people and society at large and promoting active participation in these virtual worlds. Objectives and expected The Partnership is essential for the successful implementation of the Virtual impacts Worlds initiative laid out in the EC Work Programme 2023. It will directly contribute to the Commission’s and Member States joint effort to deliver on targets under the Digital Decade by fostering the development of open human- centric and inclusive virtual worlds. It is also in line with the objectives of the 72 Shaping Europe’s Digital Future communication and the Declaration of Digital Rights and Principles and the European Pillar of Social Rights and The Partnership and the VR/AR Coalition, set up under the Commission’s Media and Audiovisual Action Plan, will be key actors of the initiative. By 2030, the Partnership will have helped developing virtual worlds and metaverses that: • are open and interoperable, based on widely accepted standards, preventing that only a few companies control them; • adequately feed the supply and demand ecosystem so that the EU can play a leading role in developing the future virtual worlds; • respect European rules (such as the General Data Protection Regulation, EU competition law or the EU labour law acquis) and values, in line with the Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles (human-centric, inclusive, trustworthy, safe and ethical, • offer significant business opportunities and new avenues for individual and collective creativity, arts and culture; and • focus on industrial and commercial applications and societal challenges such as the green and digital transition, the future of labour markets, smart cities, education and healthcare. The Partnership will support: 1. Research and innovation in Technology building blocks • R&D&I in underlying innovative and emerging technologies including eXtended Reality, high-precision and affordable sensors, printable electronics, miniaturisation, optics including holographic and other displays, hyper-connected and low-power devices, privacy-enhancing technologies, 3D technologies, avatars, tools for development and testing and the integration of these technologies into a coherent whole. • Digitalisation of European cultural content such as artistic creations, monuments and buildings. • New and breakthrough ways of managing copyright, intellectual property and neighbouring rights using modern technologies such as blockchain and non-fungible tokens. • Digital twins, their combination and interoperation, including advances in multi-scale and dynamic modelling and simulation, advanced data analytics, AI and machine learning techniques, transmission protocols and compression techniques, novel computational architectures, and enhanced visualisation techniques. • Developing solutions and testing applications in real-world environments, in industrial and societal settings, covering in particular topics of Cluster 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 (Health, Culture, creativity and inclusive society, Security, Industry and Space, Climate, Energy and Mobility, Food, Bio-economy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment). 2. Policies, human and ethical aspects • Mobilise relevant and multidisciplinary stakeholders to address new ethical and regulatory questions, including the use of data generated and collected in virtual worlds environments, including virtual workplaces; blockchain-ready regulations; relevant cybersecurity rules; the effect on workers’ labour and social protection rights; the legal and ethical aspects 73  of inappropriate, harmful or illegal activities in metaverses; the notion of digital identity of avatars; the protection of children, the inclusion of disabled persons or with low digital skills, the protection of cultural and linguistic diversity. • Help the community to exchange and collaborate on non-technical aspects such as awareness and social acceptance, opportunities, working force and users’ skills (including up-skilling and re-skilling), impact on jobs markets, communication, dissemination and exploitation of research results • Build a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary roadmap for virtual worlds in the EU by bringing together different technology communities and experts (e.g. XR, AI, Networks, Platforms, Blockchain, Connectivity, HPC, edge-computing, microelectronics, m, etc) and all relevant sectors of applications. • Link to broader policy areas (such as people empowerment, ethical aspects, copyright and neighbouring rights protection and protection of ID and intellectual property rights (IPR), legal aspects, interoperability guidelines). 3. Applications - ecosystem • Develop, innovative applications and services in different strategic economic sectors and sectors of public and private interest. • Examples include solutions for novel collaborative working environments (e.g. collaborative meetings, design and social gathering), for simulations (e.g. for developing industrial prototypes), for nurturing creativity (such as in art, digital fashion, gaming, interactive entertainment, music, cultural heritage), for improving healthcare (remote controlled operations), for agriculture (growth monitoring), for education and training (creating immersive learning opportunities, such as field trips, interactive panels and more personalised means of assessment), for the green transition (digital twins for smart grids, smart cities, energy-efficient materials buildings, etc.), for tourism and cultural heritage, as well as supporting the New Bauhaus Initiative in particular when it comes to engaging all relevant stakeholders. 4. Open Standards • Contribute to establish the appropriate standards for the development of well-designed and functioning virtual worlds, where users can move between them and take full advantage of the services they offer, and where different types of economic players can interact and collaborate. The goal is to favour the flourishing of fully interoperable, inclusive and engaging virtual worlds and metaverses, based on open standards, accessibility and inclusivity standards, common metadata structures, as well as shared ontologies, protocols and APIs. Necessity test: rationale Virtual worlds and metaverses are a highly multidisciplinary domain, not only for a European because of the variety of technologies needed for their development and Partnership deployment, but also because of the wide range of sectors of applications in which they can be used. In addition, a partnership would help addressing all challenges and opportunities of the development of virtual world solutions, ensuring that all individuals can benefit from the digital transition and that no one is left behind. A partnership would guarantee better coordination and richer synergies between domains and disciplines. It would also mobilise the industry, academia and end- 74  users in a coordinated effort towards the development and uptake of open human centric interoperable solutions, fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge- sharing. Overall, the EU is strong in R&D in relation to virtual worlds technologies for middleware and software development. In relation to hardware, a noteworthy number of SMEs are producing tailored hardware and maintaining a higher- than-anticipated share of the market. Moreover, Europe is a continent rich in artistic and cultural content with a thriving creative industry and a wealth of unique digitized heritage. These qualities are fundamental for the creation and exploitation of innovative virtual worlds. Europe is still lagging in access to finance (e.g., venture capital) for companies developing virtual world solutions compared with other regions. In the US, for instance, companies providing extended reality products and services have raised over EUR 25 billion from 2010 to 2020, roughly 14 times higher than the amount raised in Europe. A Partnership would increase the competitiveness of the European ecosystem, not only by addressing its current fragmentation, but also by putting the EU in the lead regarding the development of virtual world solutions. It would help align the goals of different stakeholders and ensure that research and innovation efforts are focused on common objectives, avoiding duplication of efforts at EU level and promoting the development of relevant solutions. A Partnership would provide access to a broader range of resources, including funding, expertise and technology. This will enable the development of more comprehensive research and innovation programmes for virtual worlds technologies. A Partnership would accelerate the development of virtual worlds by facilitating communication between relevant actors and the transfer of research into practical applications, products and services, shortening the time to market and thus creating economic growth and job opportunities. Planned under the Pillar II 'Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness' following clusters/work ☒ Cluster Digital, Industry and Space programme parts Currently identified The Resilient Cultural Heritage proposal, where immersive technologies and links with other virtual worlds can also be used to safeguard and protect. partnership candidates / Considering the large amount and the nature of the data that is expected to be Union programmes generated and exchanged in virtual worlds, European Data Spaces will play an essential role in the development and governance of these virtual worlds in the EU. Data generated in European data spaces will be used to develop virtual worlds. Virtual Worlds data must benefit European businesses. In particular synergies exist with the Cultural heritage, Media and Tourism Data Spaces. The EIC innovation fund could be used to mobilise another 100 million Euros to provide equity for virtual worlds -oriented start-ups. Previous EU initiatives The Partnership will not directly build on active partnerships but will have links and investments in the with the current AI-Data-Robotics, Photonics and Smart Networks and Services sector PPPs. The Partnership will build on existing virtual worlds related investments under this MFF (Horizon Europe, Digital Europe Programme, Creative Europe): • Investments in the period 2021-2024: ~700 million Euros 75  • Destination Earth and related Digital Twins: ~300 million Euros • The Human Brain Project Flagship and the digital twin of the body: ~ 50 million Euros • Extended Reality technologies: 150 million Euros • Creative and Content Industries: 60 million Euros•(tbc) • Future Internet / next generation Internet technologies: ~100 million Euros • Additional Investments foreseen in the period 2025-2027: 800 million Euros Expected type and The partnership will involve all relevant stakeholders, industry and sectoral composition of partners entities (from large companies to SMEs, start-ups, institutions and non-for-profit organisations), academia (universities, innovation and research organisations) and end-users (unions, customers associations, etc.) as well as policy makers (national, regional and local levels) and regulators. The governance of such a large partnership must be as light, efficient and reactive as possible. A high degree of flexibility in the participation to the actions will exist, to integrate at best each participant. The Partnership will naturally build on the AR/VR Coalition, a platform for structured dialogue between the European VR/AR ecosystem and policymakers launched in September 2022. It will also benefit from the XR4EUROPE association of more than 1250 XR actors in Europe from the New European Media initiative NEM, with more than 1200 media and industry actors. It will be open to any relevant stakeholders and aims at creating a vibrant European multi-disciplinary ecosystem, by mobilising current existing associations and initiatives (such as running coordination and support actions) to reach out to communities. Links with Member States will be guaranteed through cooperation with future European Digital Infrastructure Consortiums (EDICs) on virtual worlds such as for example those resulting from the CitiVerse call planned in the Digital Europe Work Programme for 2023. The geographical coverage should be representative and achieve a good geographical balance of the EU Member States and Horizon Europe associated countries. Links to non-European related initiatives and stakeholders will also happen through targeted actions, especially on legal, societal and ethical issues where international debates are of particularly interest. Contributions and Expected contributions: industry co-funding the R&I activities. commitments expected from partners Tentative Union EUR 200M-250M contribution for the entire duration of the partnership (in EUR millions) Currently envisaged ☒ Co-programmed European Partnership implementation mode(s). Justification of the To foster a strong engagement from industry, research and technology implementation mode organisations (RTOs) and SMEs, a Co-programmed European Partnership is proposed. Through commitments to common research and innovation agenda, 76  this should accelerate the deployment of European solutions and devices and increase the impact of the action. It will tackle the current fragmentation of the ecosystem and cover all possible application areas, optimising cross-fertilisation and synergies. Proposed starting year 2025-2027 (end of the programming period, implementation of calls and execution of projects beyond 2027) 77