Australia has moved a step closer to joining the European Union’s flagship research and innovation program, with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) welcoming the federal government’s confirmation that treaty negotiations for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe have formally concluded.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s primary funding program for research and innovation, with a budget of more than €95 billion (approximately AU$155 billion). The program supports research and development across areas including climate change adaptation, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
The development follows the Australian Government’s announcement in the 2026-27 Federal Budget that it would pursue association with the program, a move that research organisations had advocated for over several years. ATSE had previously called for negotiations to commence in its 2025-26 pre-budget submission.
ATSE Chief Executive Officer Professor Kylie Walker AM said the conclusion of treaty negotiations represented significant progress toward Australia’s formal participation in the program.
“Australia is now one very important step closer to formally joining Horizon Europe, which is great to see,” Walker said.
“It’s heartening to see the process moving so quickly, after Minister Ayres announced that this was a possibility at ATSE’s CAETS international symposium just nine months ago.”
Science Minister Tim Ayres had indicated at ATSE’s international CAETS 2025: Generations symposium in Brisbane in September last year that Australia was exploring participation in Horizon Europe.
Walker said ATSE was encouraged by the government’s intention to complete the remaining processes in time for Australian researchers to seek funding from early 2027.
“We particularly welcome the Government flagging that they intend to finalise the process in time for Australians to apply for Horizon Europe grants from early 2027,” she said.
She said joining the program would provide Australian researchers with new funding opportunities and strengthen international collaboration.
“Joining Horizon Europe gives Australia’s world-class researchers access to grant funding and opens the door to new international collaborations, providing direct access to the 95% of new knowledge generated beyond our borders,” Walker said.
“By aligning with Pillar II of the program, Australia will be able to work internationally across key priority areas including critical minerals, space and advanced computing.”
Walker added that participation could create opportunities within Australia’s research sector while placing the country alongside other non-European Union nations already associated with Horizon Europe.
“It means more jobs and opportunities for our talented researchers here at home, placing Australia alongside other non-EU nations like Canada and New Zealand who are already active members of Horizon Europe,” she said.
Australia’s formal association with Horizon Europe remains subject to the completion of the necessary approval processes before the country can begin participating in the program.
