The European Union and Australia have launched exploratory talks on the potential association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme. Announced by the European Commission in September 2025, the non-binding discussions aim to assess the framework and principles for a possible future agreement.
Horizon Europe supports cutting-edge research and innovation across areas such as health, digital technologies, climate action, energy, space, and industrial transformation. An association would further strengthen EU–Australia cooperation, building on a long-standing partnership in science and research.
For Austria (AT), as a full Horizon Europe participant, closer engagement with Australia would expand opportunities for AT–AU research collaboration, joint projects, and international consortia. In recent years, Austrian and Australian organisations have already cooperated through bilateral and multilateral research calls, including joint initiatives supported by national funding agencies and EU-linked programmes, demonstrating strong alignment in research priorities. Notably, the 2024 Australia–Austria Industrial Decarbonisation Demonstration Partnerships Program exemplifies successful collaboration in sustainable industrial innovation.
For Australia (AU), potential association with Horizon Europe could enable deeper participation in European research networks, including access to funding and the ability to lead collaborative projects with European partners.
Researchers, universities, and innovative businesses are encouraged to monitor developments and explore collaboration opportunities as discussions progress.
For more information, please head to the European Commission website.
