Australia's Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, and the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation signed the treaty-level Agreement in Brussels on 12 November 2026. This marks significant progress towards Australia's association to Horizon Europe in 2027.
Horizon Europe is the world’s largest pooled funding program for international research and innovation collaboration. Australia’s association opens the door to collaboration with European and other countries on major international research projects.
From 1 January 2027, Australian researchers, scientists and industry partners will be eligible, under transitional arrangements, to apply to access Horizon Europe Pillar II funding. This will enable them to lead, and participate in, cutting-edge research to tackle complex global challenges.
Access to the Horizon Europe ecosystem will strengthen our global research and innovation networks and deepen cooperation with like-minded partners, enhancing Australia’s productivity and economy. It will support Australia’s science, innovation and economic cooperation with Europe in areas of shared strategic interest.
This includes:
- clean energy
- critical minerals
- advanced manufacturing
- digital technologies
- health
- space
- supply chain security.
Association to Horizon Europe supports Australia’s productivity and innovation agenda and a Future Made in Australia. It also supports the vision set out in the Ambitious Australia report for a more focused, connected and effective research and innovation system.
After signing, Australia and the European Union will continue their domestic treaty processes to bring the agreement into legal effect. Next steps include tabling the agreement in Parliament for scrutiny by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT).