Japan and the European Union signed their Horizon Europe association agreement in Brussels on 30 July 2026, formally deepening cooperation between two major research and innovation communities.
What the agreement changes
Japanese entities can participate in Pillar II of Horizon Europe under conditions equivalent to those applying to entities established in EU Member States. This means eligible Japan-based organisations can join multinational consortia and apply directly for EU funding, subject to the requirements and restrictions of each call.
Pillar II supports collaborative research and innovation addressing global challenges and strengthening European industrial competitiveness across areas including health, climate, energy, digital technologies, industry, mobility, food, bioeconomy, culture and civil security.
Why it matters for European consortia
The association removes an important practical barrier to collaboration. Japanese partners previously could participate in many Horizon Europe actions, but often needed to secure their own funding. Direct eligibility should make it easier to build balanced collaborations around complementary scientific expertise, research infrastructure, industrial capability and access to international networks.
Association does not make every Japanese organisation automatically eligible for every topic. Applicants must still check the specific call conditions, scope, consortium requirements, security provisions and any restrictions applying to participation or funding.
European proposal teams can now consider eligible Japanese partners as funded consortium members in Pillar II calls, where their contribution is relevant and permitted by the topic conditions.
A broader international research area
Japan’s participation expands Horizon Europe’s network of associated countries and is expected to strengthen links between European and Japanese universities, research institutions and companies. The agreement also provides for Japan’s financial contribution to the programme and mechanisms that align that contribution with the funding received by Japanese participants.