The Australian Government has initiated a treaty process to join the EU’s flagship research and innovation program.
Australia has taken a formal step towards joining Horizon Europe, the European Union’s main research and innovation framework, with treaty negotiations currently underway.
If the agreement is completed on schedule, it is expected that Australian educational institutions will be able to fully participate in the program from early 2027.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on the negotiations: “I am pleased to announce that together with European Commission President von der Leyen, we will begin negotiations to join Horizon Europe in 2027.”
“By partnering with Horizon Europe, we will support innovation in international research collaboration in Australia, creating jobs and improving productivity to help deliver a Made in Australia future.
“This is a great investment in our future and a testament to the strength of our relationship with the European Union.”
Access to global research funding
Horizon Europe is valued at approximately €93.5 billion and represents the largest multinational research funding pool currently in operation.
Through Australia’s partnership with Horizon Europe, universities, research institutes and industry partners will be able to apply for grants, lead international collaborations and contribute to large-scale projects that exceed domestic funding capacity.
The program covers a wide range of priority areas including advanced computing, climate science, clean energy, health technologies and critical minerals. Participation will put Australian researchers alongside leading teams from Europe and other relevant countries.
Strategic and economic impact
More than 20 non-EU countries have already signed association agreements with Horizon Europe, including Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and South Korea.
Evidence from these partnerships suggests that access to this program can strengthen national research ecosystems and improve returns on public R&D investments.
For Australia, the move is also positioned as a way to increase exposure to high-impact cross-border research initiatives that require significant coordination and funding.
Science Minister Tim Ayers said: “Horizon Europe will ensure researchers have the resources and partnerships they need to tackle the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to cutting-edge technology and next-generation medicine.”
“Ambitious Australia’s independent report released last week sets out the importance of making all of Australia’s research funding count. Collaboration through Horizon Europe has synergies and is cost-effective.”
“The Horizon Europe association, supported by Australia’s Group of 8 university partners, will enable our industry, science and research sectors to lead projects in the Indo-Pacific region, while facilitating access to joint projects with the EU and other relevant countries.
“This is a great example of international research collaboration at a time when the world needs more constructive cooperation.”
Schedule and institutional support
Pending the outcome of negotiations, Australian organizations will be able to apply for Horizon Europe funding from early 2027. This process includes adjusting the regulatory framework and finalizing the terms of participation with the European Union.
Australia’s affiliation with Horizon Europe marks a major shift towards integrating Australia’s research sector into broader global funding and collaboration networks.
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