Horizon Europe : launch of exploratory discussions in view of Australia’s possible association

The European Commission announces the launch of non-binding exploratory discussions in view of Australia’s possible association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, dedicated to research collaboration on topics like health, industry, digital, etc., on 11/09/2025.

« These technical discussions will examine the details and principles of a possible association agreement and lay the foundations for potential negotiations », explains the Commission.

« Australia and the EU have a long history of productive research collaboration : the first treaty-level science and technology agreement signed by the EU with an industrialised country was the Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation signed with Australia in 1994 (and amended in 1999) ».

This Agreement defines bilateral research priorities and provides the framework for monitoring cooperation through meetings of the Australia-EU Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee (JSTCC). The most recent meeting was held in Brussels on 11/04/2024.

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, states : « Horizon…