Canada is officially associated with the Horizon Europe Pillar II, lifting a huge opportunity for Canadian researchers and organizations to tackle global challenges with their EU counterparts.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship program to address global challenges and fund collaborative research and innovation that drives industry competitiveness.
This strategic association opens the door for Canadian researchers, universities and businesses to partner equally with top European scientific institutions and creates powerful new pathways for addressing shared priorities such as climate behavior, health, digital transformation, and sustainable industries.
To promote recognition and understanding of these opportunities, the European Union and Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) launched a nationwide roadshow throughout March 2025.
The tour aims to bring the Horizon Europe program closer to the Canadian research and innovation community.
Horizon Europe Pillar II: What it means for Canada
The association between Canada and Horizon Europe Pillar II, officially issued on July 3, 2024, ensuring Canadian researchers participate in the Joint EU Research Project on Equal Scaffolding.
This pillar is dedicated to tackling global challenges such as climate change, health crisis and digital transformation, whilst enhancing the competitiveness of the industry.
Through this association, Canadian entities are currently eligible for direct funding from Horizon Europe and can participate and lead in research consortiums with top European scientific institutions.
This historic partnership is supported by Canada’s financial contribution to the program’s budget that begins in 2024.
Nationwide Roadshow brings Horizon Europe to the forefront
A series of in-person sessions were held nationwide to help Canadian stakeholders navigate the program.
On March 10-14, Roadshow visited Vancouver, Edmonton and Saskatoon, moving east to Montreal, Halifax and St. John’s from March 24-28.
The sessions hosted by European Commission representatives, EU delegations to Canada, ISED, the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERECEA), Euraxess North America, and Horizon Academy provided practical guidance on application procedures, evaluation criteria, and funding opportunities.
Enhanced scientific ties in the EU Canada
The Roadshow coincided with two major bilateral meetings in Ottawa, the Joint Committee on Science and Technology Cooperation on March 18 and the first Committee on EU Canada Association on March 19.
These events highlighted both sides’ commitment to cooperation and deepening scientific exchange.
With strong voter turnout from researchers, academic institutions and private sector innovators, the success of the Roadshow reflects a growing enthusiasm for cross-border collaboration under Horizon Europe Pillar II.
As Canada and the EU scientists join forces, the future of global innovation looks increasingly collaborative and promising.
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