If successful, this would be the first time Japan takes part in the closest form of cooperation in the field of research and innovation that the EU can offer. With Horizon Europe, the EU expanded this opportunity to like-minded non-EU countries with a strong science, innovation and technology profile, which are not necessarily located in the geographic proximity of the EU – such as Canada, New Zealand or South Korea, which have successfully negotiated their association to the programme.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:
“The opening of the negotiations on the association of Japan to Horizon Europe marks a step change in our cooperation. For both EU and Japan, research and innovation are key to ensuring competitiveness and achieving the green and digital transitions. Together, we will be able to reach them faster, and find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.”
The negotiations concern association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which tackles societal challenges through multinational collaborative projects. If successful, Japanese researchers would be able to lead and coordinate their own research and innovation projects under the programme, seek deeper collaboration with partners in the EU as well as from the other associated countries, and get funded. Negotiations between the Commission and the Japanese government will proceed in the next months.
Association to Horizon Europe is a key instrument of Europe’s global approach to cooperation in research and innovation in an increasingly changing and volatile world. It reaffirms the EU commitment to driving excellence, pooling resources for faster scientific progress, developing vibrant innovation ecosystems and promoting global openness that is also strategic and reciprocal.
With the recent association of Canada in July, Horizon Europe now includes 19 associated countries, more than any previous EU research and innovation programme. The association of the Republic of Korea is expected to be signed in the coming months to allow its participation from 2025, and negotiations with Egypt and Switzerland are ongoing.
Background
Japan is a key strategic partner for Europe and bilateral research and innovation relations have developed steadily over the past two decades. An agreement on cooperation entered into force in 2011. The two sides deepened this framework with a joint vision in 2015 and a Letter of Intent in May 2020, aiming to facilitate cooperation on global challenges.
Working with a budget of €93.5 billion over seven years (2021-27), Horizon Europe is open to the world. Researchers and organisations from all over the world can participate in most calls, but those from associated countries have additional opportunities in collaborative projects and are treated on par with their EU counterparts with regard to access to funding.
More information
Horizon Europe
Europe’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation
Association to Horizon Europe
Press contact:
EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation
