30 Jul 2026
Japan officially joins Horizon Europe
As of 30 July, Japan is officially associated to Horizon Europe. Home to 123 million people, Japan is the most populous country associated to the programme, adding one of the world's most advanced research and innovation ecosystems to Europe's network of scientific cooperation.
The agreement allows Japanese researchers and organisations to take part in Horizon Europe on equal terms with those from EU Member States and other associated countries.
Japan's association marks an important step in the EU–Japan Strategic Partnership and underlines a shared commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, open and rules-based international research cooperation.
The EU and Japan will now further expand cooperation to address shared global challenges, notably in the digital transition, health, and technologies that support climate neutrality.
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