Australia to join Horizon Europe: New Opportunities for Research and Innovation
On 9 June 2026, Australia and the European Union reached a significant milestone in research and innovation cooperation by successfully concluding negotiations for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe – the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme, with a budget of €93.5 billion (approximately A$155 billion) for the 2021–2027 period. Once the agreement completes the respective treaty-making and ratification processes, Australian organisations are expected to participate as an associated country from 1 January 2027.
Association with Horizon Europe will provide Australian universities, research institutes, businesses and innovators with greater access to collaborative research projects alongside partners across Europe. Rather than participating as a third country, eligible Australian organisations will be able to access funding under Pillar II – Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness on the same basis as organisations from EU Member States and other associated countries. Australian organisations will also be eligible to coordinate and lead international research consortia.
Horizon Europe supports collaborative projects across a wide range of priority sectors, including:
- Health and life sciences
- Digital technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
- Advanced manufacturing and industrial competitiveness
- Climate, clean energy and sustainable mobility
- Food, agriculture and the bioeconomy
- Space technologies and critical minerals
The agreement is expected to strengthen Australia’s research capability, foster international collaboration and accelerate innovation in industries that are critical to future economic growth.
For the Swedish-Australian business community, this development presents exciting new opportunities. Sweden is recognised as one of Europe’s leading innovation nations and has long been an active participant in Horizon Europe. Australian association with the programme will make it easier for Swedish companies operating in Australia, Australian subsidiaries of Swedish businesses, universities and research organisations to collaborate on joint research and innovation projects spanning areas such as health, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, sustainable mining and the green transition.
Together with the recently concluded EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, Australia’s association with Horizon Europe further strengthens the strategic partnership between Australia and Europe. These landmark initiatives are expected to deepen collaboration across research, innovation, trade and investment, creating new opportunities for businesses, researchers and governments on both sides.
