Meer documentenEU and Australia deepen science and innovation ties with Horizon Europe Agreement
The European Union and Australia have signed an agreement paving the way for Australian researchers and organisations to join and lead projects under Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme.
The agreement was signed today in Brussels by Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and Australia's Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres.
Australia's association covers Horizon Europe's €52.4 billion Pillar II, which funds collaborative research projects in areas including health, climate, energy and digital technologies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Australia's association to Horizon Europe is more than a scientific agreement. It is testament to the trust, ambition and shared values that underpin our EU-Australia partnership. By deepening this partnership, we will turn outstanding research into real solutions for our citizens, strengthen our resilience, and help build a safer, more prosperous world.”
New opportunities for research cooperation
The agreement will enable Australian researchers and organisations to join and lead international consortia and access funding on similar terms to their EU counterparts.
Australian participants will also retain access to parts of Horizon Europe open to non-EU countries under its Excellent Science pillar, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, and the Innovative Europe pillar, subject to the conditions of each call.
From January 2027, transitional arrangements will allow Australian entities to apply to Pillar II calls and be evaluated as prospective beneficiaries. The association process is expected to be formally completed by mid-2027, following parliamentary scrutiny in Australia.
Background
Horizon Europe is the EU's €93.5 billion research and innovation programme for 2021–2027. It funds scientific excellence, addresses global challenges and helps strengthen Europe's competitiveness.
Negotiations on Australia's association to Pillar II were concluded in June 2026. With this agreement, Australia officially becomes the 24th country associated with Horizon Europe. Other associated countries are Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
The EU has also successfully concluded negotiations with India on association to Horizon Europe on 6 November.
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