The various programmes that compose the Seventh European Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) apply different participation criteria. Participation in the specific programmes is open to a broad range of entities.

Various types of stakeholders from both the public and the private sector can participate in FP7:

• universities
• research organisations
• businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• researchers (throughout their whole career)
• public and governmental administrations (local, regional or national)
• international organisations
• etc

In principle, FP7 is intended for transnational partnerships. Various support services for project promoters offer help with the identification of potential partners:

• The National Contact Points (NCPs). Through their European network, the NCPs are constantly updated on partnering opportunities. They can therefore help prospective FP7 participants to build on a shared interest or a common research topic. Luxinnovation, the National Agency for Innovation and Research, is the NCP for Luxembourg.
• Private consultants can assist with the search for European partners and prepare a research project in the framework of FP7. The costs associated with the preparation of a European project by businesses can be co-financed through the Fit4Europe measure proposed by the Ministry of the Economy and Foreign Trade.
• The CORDIS website offers a service that allows for the identification of project partners, notably by encouraging the establishment of public-private partnerships in order to carry out projects within the FP7 framework.

FP7 participation is open primarily to applicants from:

• Member States of the European Union (EU)
• Associated Countries, which participate in FP7 as part of a science and technology cooperation agreement (S&T agreement)

In principle, FP7 participation is open to entities from any country. The co-financing rules vary depending on the participation rules of the individual programmes. Several projects and actions support the participation of Third Countries, i.e. countries that are neither Member States nor Associated Countries. Other measures target particular categories of countries, such as International Cooperation Partner Countries or countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy standard link. In certain cases, cooperation with specific, pre-defined countries is encouraged. The participation rules are specified in the calls for project proposals.