On 17 July, the Republic of Korea officially became the first Asian country to associate with Horizon Europe, the European Union’s multibillion-euro research and innovation programme. With a substantial budget of €93.5 billion allocated for the period from 2021 to 2027, Horizon Europe stands as the EU’s key funding initiative dedicated to advancing research and innovation.
This association enables Korean researchers and organisations to participate in various programme areas on an equal footing with EU Member States. They will have the opportunity to engage in and lead international research consortia, access funding, and collaborate with leading research institutions across Europe and beyond to address pressing global challenges. Additionally, the Republic of Korea will make a financial contribution to the programme’s budget.
This agreement not only strengthens the geopolitical alliance between the EU and like-minded countries but also creates greater opportunities for collaborative research across continents in critical fields such as digital transition, health, and technological innovation aimed at achieving carbon neutrality.
“I welcome the Republic of Korea to Horizon Europe. The challenges we face today, from climate change to digital transformation, are global in nature. The association brings together leading minds from Europe and Korea to drive progress and develop solutions that will benefit us all. I look forward to the outcomes of this strengthened partnership,” declared Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation.
Beginning 1 January 2025, under a transitional arrangement, Korean entities will be eligible to apply for and be evaluated as prospective beneficiaries in Horizon Europe proposals for all calls under Pillar II, as specified in the 2025 budget.
As of now, 19 countries have established associations with Horizon Europe, either through membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), or as acceding, candidate, or potential candidate countries, as well as European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) countries or other third countries and territories that fulfill specific criteria related to their economic, political, and research and innovation systems.
