EU and New Zealand successfully conclude Horizon Europe association negotiations

The Commission and New Zealand Government have concluded the negotiations for association of New Zealand to the Horizon Europe programme, in Wellington. The signing of the Association Agreement is expected to take place in 2023, pending the completion of all necessary validations on both sides. Therefore, we expect that from 2023, researchers and organisations in New Zealand will be able to participate in Pillar II of the Horizon Europe programme, the most relevant and biggest collaborative part that is primarily focused on shared global challenges: these include areas in climate, energy and mobility, digital, industry and space, health, and more.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said:

“With Horizon Europe we have redesigned our approach towards international cooperation in research and innovation, strengthening even more our ties with countries outside the geographical proximity of the EU that have a robust scientific and research track-record. With a solid scientific base and more than half of New Zealand’s researchers having an active collaboration with a European partner, the country has been a trusted EU partner for many years now. Its future association to Horizon Europe will deepen our relation, foster innovation, and will further enable European researchers to benefit from the latest knowledge and some of the best talent worldwide.”

Association to the EU’s Framework Programme on Research and Innovation is the closest form of international cooperation in science and technology between the Union and non-EU country. Traditionally, this form of cooperation was offered by the Union to countries in its geographic proximity. The association will enable New Zealand researchers and organisations to participate in the programme on equal terms with entities from the EU Members States.

The agreement with New Zealand will be the first time association of a highly industrialised country outside Europe, to the Union’s flagship programme for research and innovation.

Background

Formal relations between the EU and New Zealand in the field of research and innovation date back to 2009, with the signature of the Agreement on cooperation in scientific and technological cooperation. The Agreement has provided the general framework for cooperation and acted as a forum for regular discussions about research priorities and areas of common interest ever since.

International cooperation in research and innovation is a strategic priority for the Commission. The association policy supports the ’Global Approach to Research and Innovation’ and reconfirms Europe's commitment to a level of global openness needed to drive excellence, pool resources for faster scientific progress and develop vibrant innovation ecosystems.

More information

International cooperation with New Zealand

Press contact:

EC Spokesperson for Research, Science and Innovation