The European Union and Australia have signed an agreement that paves 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 in Brussels by the Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, and the Australian Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres.
Australia’s participation covers Pillar II of Horizon Europe, which has a budget of €52.4 billion and funds collaborative research projects in areas such as health, climate, energy and digital technologies.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated:
“Australia’s accession to Horizon Europe is more than just a scientific agreement. It is a demonstration of the trust, ambition and shared values that underpin our EU-Australia partnership. By deepening this partnership, we will transform world-class research into real solutions for our citizens, strengthen our resilience and help build a safer and 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 terms similar to those of their EU counterparts.
Australian participants will also retain access to those 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 for proposals.
From January 2027, transitional arrangements will allow Australian organisations to apply for calls under Pillar II and be assessed as potential beneficiaries. The association process is expected to be formally concluded in mid-2027, following parliamentary scrutiny in Australia.
Background
Horizon Europe is the EU’s research and innovation programme, with a budget of €93.5 billion for the period 2021–2027. It funds scientific excellence, tackles global challenges and helps to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
Negotiations on Australia’s accession to Pillar II were concluded in June 2026. With this agreement, Australia officially becomes the twenty-fourth country associated with Horizon Europe. The other associated countries are Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
On 6 November,the EU also successfully concluded negotiations with India on its accession to Horizon Europe.
More information: European Commission
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