4th EU-Tunisia Joint Cooperation Committee under Horizon Europe Association

The 4th EU - Tunisia Joint Research and Innovation Committee Meeting (JCM4) was held on 12 February 2026 in Tunis under the Horizon Europe Association Agreement. Hosted by the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research the meeting marked an important step in consolidating and advancing the strategic partnership between the European Union and Tunisia in research and innovation.

Tunisia's performance under Horizon Europe continues to demonstrate steady progress and strong engagement. To date, Tunisian participants have secured €15.5 million in EU funding, with 64 signed grants and 86 participations. Tunisia now ranks 12th among associated countries in participations and remains the strongest Southern Mediterranean country in PRIMA, with 198 participations, confirming its leadership in food systems, water management and agro-environmental research.

Discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across key Horizon Europe instruments. Particular attention was given to increasing Tunisia's participation in the European Innovation Council (EIC), especially for start-ups and deep-tech SMEs, where participation rates remain below the EU average. Both sides agreed on the importance of reinforcing scale-up support and improving the valorisation and industrialisation of research results.

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) were highlighted as a success story, with Tunisia showing continuous improvement in both quality and quantity of participation. Further potential lies in expanding private-sector involvement and strengthening Tunisia's attractiveness as a host country for international postdoctoral researchers.

Cooperation with the Joint Research Centre (JRC) was also discussed, including upcoming 2026 calls for access to research infrastructures and the Collaborative Doctoral Partnership scheme. Growing interest was expressed in health, energy and climate-related portfolios.

At regional level, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of structured engagement within the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Regional Platform on Research and Innovation, PRIMA, BlueMed and broader EU - Africa cooperation frameworks. Tunisia committed to reinforcing coordination at national level to enhance its participation in these regional initiatives.

Mobility and talent circulation were another key topic. The recently adopted EU Visa Strategy and the Recommendation on Attracting Talent for Innovation were presented as concrete measures to make long-stay procedures faster, clearer and more predictable for researchers and innovators. These developments were welcomed as important steps to facilitate scientific exchange under the EU - Tunisia Talent Partnership.

Next steps

The 4th Joint Committee concluded with a shared commitment to move towards a more structured, sector-based action plan covering the EIC, MSCA, JRC, regional engagement, reciprocity and SME participation.

Despite a challenging global context, the European Union and Tunisia reaffirmed their strong and forward-looking partnership in research and innovation, united by the ambition to foster sustainable growth, strengthen competitiveness, and address global challenges through science, innovation and talent.

More information

EURAXESS Africa interview with Nienke Buisman, Head of Unit for International Cooperation-Asia, Pacific, Africa and the Middle East (DG RTD)-on cooperation with Tunisia and at regional level with the Mediterranean.