The European Commission has launched the 2026 Call for Affiliated Partners, which aims to improve the geographical coverage of ERN expertise across Member States and Norway.

This initiative will facilitate access to specialised care in countries or disease areas where full ERN membership has not yet been established. It will also strengthen cross-border collaboration and the integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems.

Objective:

• Improve geographical coverage of ERN expertise across Member States and Norway
• Facilitate access to specialised care in countries or disease areas where full ERN membership is not yet established
• Support cross-border knowledge exchange and clinical collaboration
• Strengthen the integration of ERNs into national healthcare systems

The call is open to countries that do not yet have full coverage across all ERNs, either as members or affiliated partners. Eligible countries include Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia. These countries may submit up to three applications for each missing ERN.

Two types of applicants are envisaged: Associated National Centres and National Coordination Hubs.

Applications must be submitted to the relevant National Competent Authority and will be assessed by ERN Coordinators before being approved by the Board of Member States.

Please note the next information webinar will take place on 9 April 2026, from 14:00 until 16:00 (CET). This session will provide an in-depth illustration of the IT application platform supporting the Call (connection details here)