13 Apr 2026
EU and Canada discuss recent R&I policy developments at 2nd Joint Committee Meeting
The second EU-Canada Joint Committee Meeting took place in Brussels on 26 March 2026, to take stock of the implementation of the agreement associating Canada to Pillar II of Horizon Europe. The meeting was co-chaired by Marie-Hélène Légaré, Director General, Science and Research Sector, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Joanna Drake, Deputy Director General, Planet, People and Science for Policy, Directorate General for Research & Innovation, European Commission (EC)
Following an update from both sides on recent research and innovation (R&I) policy developments in Canada and the EU, Canada’s participation in Horizon Europe to date was discussed. Both sides were very pleased with the progress made since Canada's association in 2024. The agenda covered various aspects of the agreement's implementation including: the reciprocal access to Canadian R&I programmes and activities; the financial contribution mechanism; Canadian experience participating in Horizon Europe governance structures; opportunities for Canadian participation in the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre activities; the Canadian National Contact Point network and ongoing efforts to promote Horizon Europe opportunities to Canadian researchers and innovators; an update on the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-27, and an update on the perspectives for the 10th Framework Programme, expected to launch in 2028.
The discussions reflected once again the strong interest on both sides to continue deepening R&I cooperation as trusted, reliable partners by leveraging Canada’s association to Horizon Europe, thereby reinforcing the joint commitments under the New Strategic Partnership of the Future.
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