Japan has officially become the 23rd associated country in the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, the world’s largest research and innovation funding initiative, marking a major step in expanding international scientific cooperation.
The agreement, which entered into force on Thursday, allows Japanese universities, research institutions, companies and other organizations to participate in Horizon Europe projects on the same terms as entities from EU member states.
Under the agreement, Japanese participants will be eligible to lead international research consortia, compete for European funding and collaborate with leading research centers across Europe.
The European Commission described Japan’s participation as particularly significant, calling the country “one of the world’s most advanced research ecosystems.”
Focus on AI and Strategic Technologies
The expanded partnership is expected to focus on strategically important fields, including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, healthcare, quantum technologies, semiconductors, clean energy and innovations that support climate neutrality.
European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva said Japan’s accession strengthens a growing global community of countries that view scientific excellence, open collaboration and innovation as essential drivers of sustainable development and economic prosperity.
With a population of approximately 123 million, Japan becomes the largest non-EU country by population participating in Horizon Europe.
Other associated countries already participating in the program include the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, South Korea, Norway, New Zealand, Turkey, Israel and Ukraine.
Longstanding Scientific Partnership
The European Union and Japan have cooperated on science and technology since signing a research agreement in 2011. Negotiations on Japan’s full association with Horizon Europe concluded at the end of 2025.
Horizon Europe has a total budget of €93.5 billion for the 2021-2027 period and serves as the EU’s primary funding program for scientific research and innovation.
The program aims to accelerate the development of new technologies, strengthen Europe’s global competitiveness, support the green and digital transitions, and address major global challenges, including climate change, energy security and public health.
Japan’s accession also carries broader geopolitical significance, reinforcing cooperation between two of the world’s largest democratic economies in critical technology sectors at a time of intensifying global competition in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies.
