The Australian Government has initiated the treaty process to join EU’s flagship research and innovation programme.
Australia has taken a formal step toward joining Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation framework, with treaty negotiations now underway.
If completed on schedule, the agreement is expected to enable Australian institutions to participate fully in the programme from early 2027.
Commenting on the negotiation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, said: “I am pleased to join European Commission President von der Leyen in announcing that we will commence negotiations on association to Horizon Europe for 2027.
“By associating with Horizon Europe, we are supporting international research collaboration innovation in Australia, creating jobs and driving productivity to help deliver a Future Made in Australia.
“This is a great investment in our future and is a testament to the strength of our relationship with the European Union.”
Access to global research funding
Horizon Europe, valued at approximately €93.5bn, represents the largest multinational research funding pool currently in operation.
Through Australia’s association to Horizon Europe, universities, research institutes and industry partners would be able to apply for grants, lead international collaborations, and contribute to large-scale projects that extend beyond domestic funding capacity.
The programme covers a wide range of priority areas, including advanced computing, climate science, clean energy, health technologies and critical minerals. Participation would place Australian researchers alongside leading teams from Europe and other associated countries.
Strategic and economic implications
More than 20 non-EU countries have already secured association agreements with Horizon Europe, among them Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and South Korea.
Evidence from these partnerships suggests access to the programme can strengthen national research ecosystems and improve returns on public R&D investment.
For Australia, the move is also positioned as a way to increase exposure to high-impact, cross-border research initiatives that require substantial coordination and funding.
Minister for Science Tim Ayres added: “Horizon Europe will ensure our researchers have the resources and the partnerships they need to tackle the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to cutting-edge technology and the next generation of healthcare.
“The independent Ambitious Australia report released last week laid out the importance of making every Aussie research dollar count. Collaborating through Horizon Europe has a multiplier effect and is good value for money.
“Association to Horizon Europe, supported by partners at Australia’s Group of Eight universities, will facilitate access to joint projects with the EU and other associated countries, while also allowing our industry, science and research sectors to lead projects in the Indo-Pacific.
“This is a great example of international research cooperation at a time when the world needs more constructive collaboration.”
Timeline and institutional support
Pending the outcome of negotiations, Australian organisations are expected to become eligible to apply for Horizon Europe funding calls from early 2027. The process will involve aligning regulatory frameworks and finalising terms of participation with the European Union.
Australia’s association to Horizon Europe marks a significant shift toward integrating its research sector into a broader global funding and collaboration network.