In many EU-funded projects, partnerships are a key element of success. However, it is important to note that not all calls for proposals are designed for partnership-based applications. The need for partners largely depends on the specific rules of each call. While in some cases a partnership is a formal requirement for applying, in others it can lead to additional points or increased funding intensity. Sometimes, however, partnerships are entirely optional or even not permitted. This is why it is crucial to understand the role of project partners and know how to choose them when they are truly necessary.
Partners often make the difference between a good project and an excellent one. A high-quality partnership can increase the evaluation score of the application, reduce risks during implementation, and enable the achievement of more ambitious goals through the synergy of knowledge and resources.
What does a quality partnership mean?
A partnership in an EU project refers to the collaboration between two or more entities that jointly plan, implement, and take responsibility for project activities. Each partner must have a clearly defined role and contribution. The collaboration must be equal, transparent, and documented. Effective collaboration goes beyond merely dividing tasks, in reality, it includes joint decision-making, sharing of resources, knowledge transfer, and active participation in all key stages of the project: from preparation and implementation to dissemination and evaluation.
What types of partnerships exist?
There are several types of partnerships in EU projects. Formal partnerships, confirmed through a partnership agreement, are common in programmes such as Interreg, Erasmus+, and Horizon Europe. Informal forms of cooperation include letters of support or stakeholder status without a financial role. Consortiums are structured partnerships in which one entity serves as the lead partner, while others are formal co-beneficiaries.
It is important to distinguish between internal and external partners. Internal partners come from the same group or holding company, while external partners are organizations that have no formal ownership or management ties to the project applicant. In many calls — including IRI S3 — only collaboration with external partners can lead to additional points or more favourable funding conditions.
How to choose the right partner?
Choosing a partner should not be rushed or based solely on convenience. The ideal partner should have expertise in the relevant field, be reliable in implementing activities, and be willing to contribute resources, whether knowledge, equipment, or personnel. Partners who understand the broader context of the project and share its vision significantly improve the chances of a successful application and implementation.
Before establishing a partnership, it is recommended to assess the potential partner’s previous experience in implementing EU projects and to jointly plan the project activities, including clearly defining responsibilities and internal collaboration procedures. It is essential that partners are not just an administrative formality but a genuine added value to the project.
In conclusion:
A strong partnership improves your chances of securing funding, strengthens implementation capacity, and reduces the risk of errors. In practice, the most successful projects are those where partners share the vision and responsibility, and where roles and obligations are clearly agreed upon from the start.
