31 Mar 2026
EU and Australia formally open negotiations on associatio to Horizon Europe
Following the visit of President von der Leyen to Australia, the European Commission and Australia opened formal negotiations for Australia's association to Horizon Europe on 31 March 2026.
Australia already participates in more than 200 projects under Horizon Europe, with researchers and organisations actively contributing to collaborative efforts across a wide range of fields.
Association would allow Australian entities to access funding directly from the programme and to participate on similar terms with EU Member States and other associated countries. This would enable more ambitious, long-term collaboration between researchers, businesses and public institutions, while reducing administrative barriers and aligning efforts within a single framework.
Cooperation under Horizon Europe would also support joint work on shared priorities, including critical and emerging technologies, clean energy and climate, health, and resilient supply chains. By pooling expertise and resources, both sides aim to accelerate innovation and deliver tangible benefits for our economies and societies.
At present, 22 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. Beyond the associated countries, negotiations for association were successfully concluded with Japan. Exploratory talks have also concluded with India.
For more information:
International cooperation with Australia in research and innovation