The partnership principle is part of the shared management of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).  This principle is active between the European Commission and Member States, at all levels of their implementation -  national, regional and local. Member State Authorities collaborate with trade unions, employers, non-governmental organisations and other responsible organisations to promote social inclusion, gender equality and non-discrimination in order to maximise the impact of the funding on the ground. This ensures that all relevant views are taken into account when identifying priorities for funding, as well as designing and implementing the most effective investment strategies.

The European Commission will continue to apply the concept of the European Community of Practice on Partnership. This concept was already in place in the past with the ESF Trasnational Co-operation Platform. It will now be extended to the management of the Cohesion Funds programme period 2021-2027. The aim is to establish a genuine forum for practitioners at all levels of the funds’ implementation to exchange good practices.

European Community of Practice on Partnership

Organisations interested in becoming a member of the European Community of Practice on Partnership 2021-2027  must respond to the call for applications, which is open until 31 December 2021. It applies to:

• Public authorities at all levels - regional, local, urban
• Economic and social partners
• Bodies representing civil society, such as environmental partners, non-governmental organisations, and bodies responsible for promoting social inclusion, fundamental rights, rights of persons with disabilities, gender equality and non-discrimination;
• Research organisations and universities.

This call aims at selecting partner organisations with competence and proven experience on the ground in implementing or monitoring projects under EU funds and programmes .  Applicants must be available to participate in regular meetings, as well as any supplementary activities that may be necessary for the normal operation of the forum.

The applications and questions related to the call should be submitted electronically to the following email address: EC-ECOPP@ec.europa.eu

The deadline for applications is 31 December 2021.