The European Commission and Australian Government have formally begun negotiations on a potential relationship between Australia and Horizon Europe, signaling a new phase in bilateral scientific cooperation.
The move follows Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent visit to Australia. This reflects broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two partners across research, trade and security areas.
European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zakharieva commented on the meeting: “Following last week’s agreement between the EU and Australia, we are moving quickly to bring our innovation ecosystem closer together.
“This will further expand the list of like-minded countries that have chosen to join Horizon Europe, the world’s largest and most prestigious research program.”
Horizon Europe Association: What’s at stake?
Our partnership with Horizon Europe allows Australian institutions to access programs on the same terms as EU member states and other member states. This includes eligibility for direct funding and participation in large multi-country research consortia.
For Australia, this means a move away from its current status as a non-affiliated partner. Australian researchers are already active and contributing to more than 200 projects, but the proposed arrangement will simplify administrative processes and enable long-term, strategically aligned collaboration.
From the EU’s perspective, expanding the network of associated countries is part of a broader strategy to strengthen global research partnerships in areas important for economic competitiveness and technological sovereignty.
Focus areas: Technology, climate, health
A successful conclusion to the negotiations is expected to strengthen cooperation under Horizon Europe in several priority areas.
These include emerging critical technologies, clean energy systems, climate science, medical innovation, and supply chain resilience.
By aligning funding mechanisms and research agendas, both sides aim to accelerate the development and deployment of new technologies while addressing common global challenges.
Budget expansion and long-term outlook
The negotiations come as the European Commission prepares proposals for the EU’s next multiannual budget (2028-2034), which include plans to increase Horizon Europe funding to €175 billion, almost double the current allocation.
A larger budget would expand opportunities for international partners and make the Horizon Europe association more attractive to countries seeking deeper integration into the European research ecosystem.
Long-standing research partnership
Scientific cooperation between Australia and the EU is not new. The two countries have operated under a formal science and technology agreement since 1994, which was subsequently renewed in 1999. Over time, this framework has supported collaborative research efforts across multiple disciplines.
However, full alignment with Horizon Europe represents a higher level of integration. This is considered the closest form of cooperation available to non-EU countries within the EU research and innovation architecture.
Expanding your Horizon network
Australia will join a list of non-EU countries already partnering with Horizon Europe, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway and Israel. Negotiations with Japan have also been completed, as have preliminary talks with India.
The expansion of this network underlines the EU’s intention to position Horizon Europe as a central hub for international scientific cooperation.
next step
Negotiations between the European Commission and Australia are expected to continue in the coming months, focusing on financial contributions, governance arrangements and alignment of research priorities.
The final agreement, which requires mutual approval, could significantly change the landscape of scientific cooperation between the EU and Australia and expand access to one of the world’s largest research funding programs.
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