In December 2025, the European Commission and the Government of Japan successfully concluded negotiations on Japan’s association to Pillar II of Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme. With the agreement expected to be signed in mid-2026, this milestone opens a new chapter in EU–Japan cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Already today, entities based in Japan can lead and coordinate their own research projects under Horizon Europe, apply for and receive funding, and deepen collaboration with partners across the EU and other Associated Countries.
With an EU contribution of EUR 93.7 billion, complemented by contributions from soon 23 Associated Countries, Horizon Europe is the world’s largest and most internationally open civilian research and innovation programme. Its cross-sectoral and mission-oriented approach creates strong opportunities for alignment and synergy with Japan’s own research and innovation priorities, offering a powerful platform for joint solutions to global challenges.
The seminar will bring together European and Japanese policymakers, researchers, and other science, technology, and innovation stakeholders to explore new opportunities for collaboration. Participants will discuss Japan’s association to Horizon Europe, identify concrete synergies and partnership pathways, and gain inspiration from successful examples of past cooperation under previous EU Framework Programmes.