Japan officially joins Horizon Europe as associated country
Japan has officially become an associated country to Horizon Europe, giving its researchers and organisations full access to participate in the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme on the same terms as counterparts across the EU and other associated nations.
The agreement makes Japan the 23rd country associated with Horizon Europe and the most populous to join the programme, bringing one of the world’s leading research and innovation ecosystems into Europe’s expanding network of scientific collaboration. Under the agreement, Japanese universities, research organisations and companies will be able to participate in and lead Horizon Europe research consortia, receive EU funding and collaborate with partners across Europe on projects tackling global challenges.
Negotiations on Japan’s association concluded in December 2025 between the European Commission and the Japanese government. Since January 2026, transitional arrangements have already allowed Japanese organisations to apply for Horizon Europe Pillar II funding calls and be assessed as prospective beneficiaries.
Japan’s association is seen as a significant milestone in the EU–Japan Strategic Partnership and reinforces both parties’ commitment to international scientific collaboration, innovation and open, rules-based research.
The partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation in areas including digital technologies, healthcare and innovations supporting climate neutrality.
Japan’s association covers Horizon Europe Pillar II, which has a budget of €52.4 billion and funds multinational research and innovation projects addressing major societal challenges, including climate, energy, health and the digital economy. Japan will contribute financially towards the programme to support the participation of Japanese organisations.
Japanese researchers will also continue to access other parts of Horizon Europe that remain open to third countries, including the Excellent Science and Innovative Europe pillars, as well as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions supporting doctoral training, postdoctoral fellowships and international research collaboration.
Horizon Europe, the EU’s €93.5 billion research and innovation programme for 2021–2027, supports research aimed at addressing global challenges while accelerating the green and digital transitions and strengthening European competitiveness.
Japan’s association builds on a research and innovation partnership with the EU dating back to the 2011 EU–Japan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. More recently, EU and Japanese experts have collaborated on recommendations to strengthen cooperation in advanced materials, identifying opportunities across electronics, mobility, construction, energy and data-driven science.