Japan officially joins Horizon Europe

As of today, Japan is officially associated to Horizon Europe, EU’s flagship research and innovation programme that seeks to address global challenges, accelerate the clean and digital transitions, contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and growth.

Home to 123 million people, Japan is the most populous country associated to the programme, adding one of the world’s most advanced research and innovation ecosystems to Europe’s network of scientific cooperation. The agreement allows Japanese researchers and organisations to take part in Horizon Europe on equal terms with those from EU Member States and other associated countries.

Japan’s association marks an important step in the EU–Japan Strategic Partnership and underlines a shared commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, open and rules-based international research cooperation.

The EU and Japan will now further expand cooperation to address shared global challenges, notably in the digital transition, health, and technologies that support climate neutrality.

Commissioner for Startups, Research, and Innovation, Ekaterina Zaharieva, said: ”Science thrives when talent, ideas and innovation cross borders. As Horizon Europe’s 23rd associated country, Japan strengthens a growing global community that believes openness, excellence and international cooperation are essential to turning research into innovation and innovation into prosperity.”

Source: European Commission