Australia secures access to Horizon Europe from 2027
Australia has concluded negotiations to join Horizon Europe, the European Union’s €93.5 billion (£79 billion) research and innovation programme.
The European Commission and the Australian Government announced that negotiations on Australia’s association to Horizon Europe had been successfully completed. Under the agreement, Australia will associate to Horizon Europe’s Pillar II programme, which supports collaborative research addressing major societal challenges across areas including health, climate, energy, digital technologies, industry, agriculture and space.
The move represents a significant expansion of Australia’s access to European research funding. Until now, Australian researchers have often participated in Horizon projects as partners under third-country arrangements, frequently requiring separate domestic funding. From 2027, eligible Australian organisations will be able to apply directly for funding and lead international project consortia.
Announcing the conclusion of negotiations, Australia’s Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Tim Ayres, described Horizon Europe as “the world’s largest research program” and said participation would strengthen Australia’s innovation ecosystem and international research partnerships.
European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva said “We can tackle the challenges of tomorrow only together. That is why the future of science and technology depends on strong international partnerships, like the one between the EU and Australia. Together, we’ve already delivered breakthroughs such as the Square Kilometre Array, one of the world’s most advanced radio telescopes. By combining our strengths in industry, space, climate action, and the bioeconomy, we will drive the next generation of transformative innovations.”
The agreement has been welcomed across Australia’s research sector. Universities Australia described the deal as a “major win for Australian research, innovation and economic growth”, arguing that it will create new opportunities for investment, commercialisation and international partnerships.
Australia’s association further expands Horizon Europe’s growing global network. More than 20 non-EU countries are now associated with the programme, including the UK, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. Australian researchers are expected to become eligible to apply for Horizon Europe calls from early 2027, following completion of the treaty ratification process.