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.
“This agreement brings our researchers and innovators closer, giving them more opportunities to share knowledge and put ideas to work”, said Ms Zaharieva: “It is also a clear commitment to keeping international scientific cooperation open and strong, for the benefit of both our societies.”
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.
