EU-Lebanon Agreement in PRIMA 2026: R&D opportunities for Mediterranean companies

Key data

Spanish technology companies, universities and research centers with activity in the Mediterranean basin have had a new eligible partner for their R&D projects since July 2026: Lebanon. The agreement published on July 22, 2026 as OJ:L_202601415 amends and completes the framework of scientific and technological cooperation between the EU and the Lebanese Republic to establish the specific conditions for Lebanese participation in PRIMA (Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Region).

This is not a symbolic agreement: it defines rights, obligations and financial contributions of Lebanon as an associated country, which makes Lebanese entities valid partners for consortia applying for PRIMA funding.

What does this regulation establish?

The agreement takes the legal form of an exchange of notes, a diplomatic mechanism that allows modifying a treaty in an agile manner. In this case, it updates the EU-Lebanon scientific and technological cooperation agreement to incorporate the specific conditions for participation in PRIMA.

The specific elements established by the agreement are:

PRIMA is an EU initiative that finances research and development projects in the areas of water, agriculture and food in the Mediterranean. With Lebanon's incorporation, the ecosystem of eligible partners for consortia expands, opening new collaboration possibilities for Spanish entities.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact for Spanish companies and researchers is one of opportunity, not cost or obligation. Lebanon's incorporation into PRIMA generates three concrete effects:

• New eligible partners: Lebanese universities, technology centers and companies become valid partners in consortia applying for PRIMA funding. This expands the possibilities for building competitive projects.
• Access to shared calls: Projects that include Lebanese entities can apply for PRIMA calls on equal terms with other associated countries in the program.
• Strengthening the external dimension of European R&D: The agreement consolidates the EU's research policy in the Mediterranean region, which may result in specific calls or priority lines that include Lebanon as an area of geographic interest.

No direct costs are established for Spanish companies. Financial contributions to the program are the obligation of the Lebanese Republic as an associated country, not of private participants in projects.

Who does it affect?

• Technology companies with projects or markets in the Mediterranean basin (water technology, agritech, foodtech).
• Spanish universities and research centers with lines of work in Mediterranean water, agriculture or food security.
• Innovative SMEs in the agri-food or water management sector seeking European funding for international projects.
• Technology transfer offices (OTRIs) managing European R&D projects.
• Consultancies specialized in European projects advising entities on building consortia for PRIMA calls.
• CFOs and innovation directors of companies with internationalization strategy toward the southern and eastern Mediterranean.

Practical example

A Spanish efficient irrigation technology company wants to apply for a PRIMA call in the water area. Until now, its consortium included partners from Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan. With Lebanon's incorporation into the program, it can add a Lebanese partner—for example, a Lebanese university or agricultural research center—to the consortium.

This Lebanese partner is now eligible to receive PRIMA funding on equal terms with other associated countries. The resulting, geographically broader consortium may be more competitive in the call evaluation, since PRIMA values Mediterranean coverage of projects. The Spanish company leads the consortium and accesses European funding without assuming the financial contributions that Lebanon makes as a country to the program.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company or center has activity in Mediterranean water, agriculture or food: If so, PRIMA is a funding program directly relevant to your R&D strategy.
2. Review open and upcoming PRIMA calls: Check the official PRIMA portal to learn about active thematic lines and proposal submission deadlines.
3. Map possible Lebanese partners: Lebanese universities, research centers and companies are now eligible partners. Identify entities complementary to your project in Lebanon.
4. Contact your OTRI or a European projects consultancy: Building consortia for PRIMA requires experience in managing European projects. If you don't have an internal team, seek specialized support.
5. Monitor the evolution of the agreement: The entry into force date is not specified in the published regulation. Monitor the EU Official Journal to learn when Lebanese participation in calls becomes effective.

Official source

Check complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601415