This time, things moved quickly. The trade agreement signed in March had been under discussion for eight years. But Australia’s association with the Horizon Europe research program was finalized within a year.

On Tuesday, the EU and Australia signed the agreement, allowing scientists working on the other side of the world to apply for research funding from Brussels starting in 2027.

Paying their own way

Specifically, Australians will be able to participate in Horizon Europe projects under what the EU calls the “second pillar.” This includes research aimed at addressing “global challenges,” as well as projects focused on improving industrial competitiveness.

Through Horizon Europe, the EU provides around 12 billion euros in research funding each year. Most of that money goes to researchers at universities, but research institutes and companies also receive funding.

The multibillion-euro program has long been a proven way for the EU to strengthen ties with other countries. The EU has previously signed similar agreements with Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Canada, and Egypt. At the end of January, it also announced talks with India. Any country that joins Horizon Europe is required to contribute financially to the program.

More applications from American researchers

American researchers are now applying for European grants in large numbers, recent reports show. The Trump administration’s approach to science has become so unfavorable that researchers are increasingly turning to the European Research Council (ERC). The ERC received between two and five times more applications from U.S.-based researchers than in previous years. With a grant, they can relocate their research activities to Europe.

In this geopolitical competition for knowledge and talent, the European Commission wants to raise the stakes. It has proposed increasing the next seven-year budget from 94 billion euros to 175 billion euros. Negotiations on the proposal are now underway with the European Parliament and the member states.

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.