EU and Australia launch formal negotiations for Australia's association to Horizon Europe

The EU and Australia have agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of the largest country in Oceania to Horizon Europe, with the aim of it joining the programme from 2027.

This decision was taken on 24/03/2026 during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Canberra. The exploratory talks on Australia joining Horizon Europe had started on 10/09/2025.

Von der Leyen and the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, also agreed on a Security and Defence Partnership and concluded negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA).

The agreement with Australia aims to make it easier for professionals in innovative sectors to travel and work in each other's territories. It includes an entry quota for a total of 3,000 researchers/trainee engineers per year from the EU and Australia.

The EU and Australia will now move forward with their respective domestic processes required for signature and entry into force. In the EU, the texts will go through the necessary internal procedures and then be presented to the Council.

Once adopted by the Council, the EU…