Ten Countries Formed Research Alliance With EU
The signatories are seeking to secure stable access to future EU research and innovation frameworks.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Ten non-EU countries have signed a joint statement advocating for the continued use of association as a strategic mechanism in future EU research and innovation (R&I) programmes. This move aims to ensure that international collaboration remains a central component of the bloc's scientific agenda.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the mutual benefits of transnational R&I partnerships while calling for legislative stability in future EU funding cycles. By formalizing their position, the signatory nations are attempting to solidify their long-term participation in the European research ecosystem.
The agreement includes 10 nations representing diverse regions outside the EU, offering six strategic recommendations for the next generation of EU R&I programmes. The scope of these recommendations concerns the design of future funding frameworks.
The players
European Union
A political and economic union of 27 member states that manages the Horizon Europe research funding framework.
Australia, Canada, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
Ten non-EU nations that are currently associated with or seeking continued integration into European research and innovation programs.
The details
The joint statement was presented by the ambassadors of each respective nation to the European Union. These countries are calling for legislative frameworks that enable more timely and stable association to EU research initiatives, moving beyond current ad hoc arrangements. The effort emphasizes that R&I association is a strategic instrument that provides consistent scientific cooperation between the signatory nations and EU member states.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The joint statement was presented by the ambassadors to the EU.
The Tech Race
This collective action signals an effort to institutionalize participation in the Horizon Europe research programme beyond current mandates. It marks a push to transition from reactive participation agreements to a structured, long-term legislative framework for international science.
For researchers and startups in the signatory nations, this move aims to ensure uninterrupted access to EU grants and collaborative networks. The eventual impact depends on whether EU legislative bodies adopt the six strategic recommendations during the upcoming planning phases for future funding.
The takeaway
The alliance highlights a shift toward demanding more predictable administrative frameworks for cross-border research cooperation. Observers should track upcoming EU legislative debates to see if these six recommendations are incorporated into the next generation of R&I programme requirements.
Further reading
For broader context on international policy in emerging technologies, explore Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Gv.
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