Japan has officially become associated with Horizon Europe, allowing Japanese researchers and organisations to participate in the programme on equal terms with EU Member States and other associated countries. The agreement gives Japanese participants the opportunity to join and lead international research consortia, receive EU funding and collaborate with European research institutions on shared global challenges.

Japan’s association covers Horizon Europe Pillar II, which supports multinational research and innovation projects addressing challenges including climate, energy, health and the digital economy. Japanese entities will also contribute financially to the programme’s budget. Participants will continue to have access to other parts of Horizon Europe that are open to third countries, including Excellent Science, Innovative Europe and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions.

The association follows the successful conclusion of negotiations between the European Commission and the Government of Japan in December 2025, with transitional arrangements already allowing Japanese entities to apply to Pillar II calls since January 2026. It marks a further step in the EU-Japan Strategic Partnership and is expected to strengthen cooperation in areas including the digital transition, health and technologies supporting climate neutrality.

Japan becomes the 23rd country associated with Horizon Europe, adding its research and innovation ecosystem to the programme’s international network. The cooperation builds on the EU and Japan’s long-standing research and innovation partnership, established through their Science and Technology cooperation agreement in 2011.

To read further, please visit the official European Commission press release.