Turkey becomes associated to major EU programmes for research, innovation and education

Today, the Commission signed an agreement with Turkey for tighter cooperation in EU research, innovation and education programmes. For the period 2021-2027, Turkey has been granted association status to Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme, Erasmus+, the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport, and the European Solidarity Corps. As a result, researchers, innovators, students, pupils, trainees, teachers, and young people established in Turkey can now participate under the same conditions as participants from EU Member States. Association to the research and innovation framework programme is the closest form of cooperation with countries outside the EU. Association to Horizon Europe supports the ‘Global Approach to Research and Innovation’ and reconfirms Europe’s commitment to a level of global openness needed to drive excellence, pool resources for faster scientific progress and develop vibrant innovation ecosystems. Association to Erasmus+ supports lifelong learning, educational, professional and personal development of people in education, training, youth and sport, in Europe and beyond, thereby contributing to sustainable growth, quality jobs, social cohesion and active citizenship. The European Solidarity Corps enhances the engagement of young people and organisations in activities as a means to contribute to strengthening cohesion, solidarity, democracy, by addressing societal and humanitarian challenges. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, said: “I welcome Turkey to Horizon Europe, ERASMUS+ and the Solidarity Corps. The Turkish participation in the new generation of our EU programmes will further reinforce their capacities and support integration into the European Research Area and European Education Area.”  More information is available here.