Iceland and Norway are the first countries associated to Horizon Europe

Iceland and Norway have formally become associated to Horizon Europe, enabling entities in those two countries to participate in Europe’s €95.5 billion research and innovation programme, under the same conditions as entities from EU Member States. The Joint Committee of the European Economic Area, composed of representatives of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and the EU, adopted the relevant Decision today for Iceland and Norway, which makes them the first to be associated to Horizon Europe. This is an opportunity to continue and deepen cooperation in science, research and innovation, focusing on common priorities: the twin green and digital transition, public health and Europe’s competitiveness in the global landscape. Joint efforts will aim to address environmental problems in the Arctic, develop hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, boost data-driven innovation, and more. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age, said: “Openness and cooperation with the rest of the world are key in our strategy to create critical mass for research and innovation and to accelerate and find solutions to pressing global challenges. By joining forces with Iceland and Norway, we will pursue a series of actions in support of the green, digital and public health agendas.” Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “I warmly welcome Iceland and Norway on board to Horizon Europe. They were amongst the best performers under Horizon 2020 showing innovation leadership and excellence across fields such as energy, environment, food safety, health and digital technologies. I look forward to new breakthroughs and success stories in the coming years!” This cooperation underlines the importance of the EEA Agreement, which enables full participation of the EEA States in the EU’s internal market and provides basis for cooperation in other areas including research, technological development, environment and culture. Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme 2021-2027, is one of the main tools to implement Europe’s strategy for international cooperation: Europe’s global approach to cooperation in research and innovation. The programme is open to researchers and innovators from around the world who are encouraged to team up with EU partners in preparing proposals. Negotiations are ongoing with many more non-EU countries that have expressed interest to become associated to Horizon Europe and further announcements will be made in the coming weeks. More information is available here.