While negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework continue at the EU level, EU Member States are already beginning preparatory work on their national and regional partnership plans at the national level. This early phase offers an important opportunity to embed the partnership principle and genuine multilevel governance from the outset. This can be achieved through timely and meaningful engagement with local and regional authorities, civil society, social enterprises, energy communities, energy agencies, trade unions, and both social and economic partners.

In early February 2026, 54 civil society organisations across Europe issued an open letter to the European Commission and Member States, calling for greater transparency and stakeholder involvement in the drafting of the national and regional partnership plans. This briefing, collectively prepared by 25 civil society organisations, evaluates the current state of consultations across 17 Member States. A traffic light assessment rates Member States according to the following criteria:

  • Existence of a permanent forum
  • Early and inclusive consultations
  • Feedback integration
  • Stakeholder diversity
  • Transparency and accessibility