EU and Australia open exploratory talks on association to Horizon Europe

The European Commission and the Australian Government have launched non-binding exploratory discussions in view of Australia's possible association to Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme.

These technical discussions will examine the details and principles of a possible association agreement and lay the foundations for potential negotiations.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, said:

"Horizon Europe drives breakthroughs at a scale nobody can achieve alone. Association would enable Australia to take part directly in that effort and contribute its scientific excellence to global challenges."

R&I cooperation with Australia

Australia and the EU have a long history of productive research collaboration: the first treaty-level science and technology agreement signed by the EU with an industrialised country was the Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation signed with Australia in 1994 (and amended in 1999).

Bilateral research collaboration priorities are set, and cooperation is monitored under this Agreement at Australia-EU Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC) meetings. The last meeting took place in Brussels on 11 April 2024.

Background

Exploratory talks will focus on Australia's possible association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe - which includes research collaboration on key priorities such as industry, digital and space to enhance industrial competitiveness, renewables energy to promote the transition to net zero and health for the wellbeing of our citizens.

Association would allow Australian researchers access to receive funding directly from the programme and to lead projects. Australia would contribute financially to the programme.

Association to the EU's Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is the closest form of international cooperation in science and technology between the Union and a non-EU country. To date 20 non-EU countries are associated to Horizon Europe.

International cooperation in research and innovation is a strategic priority for the Commission. The association policy supports the 'Global Approach to Research and Innovation' and reconfirms Europe's commitment to a level of global openness needed to drive excellence, pool resources for faster scientific progress and develop vibrant innovation ecosystems.

More information

International cooperation with Australia in research and innovation

Association to Horizon Europe

Press contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation