Dear Researchers,
As of 30 July 2026, Japan has officially become an associated country to the Horizon Europe Programme. As a result, researchers, universities, research organisations and other eligible entities in Japan will be able to participate in Horizon Europe on equal terms with counterparts from EU Member States and other associated countries, join and coordinate project consortia, and receive direct EU funding.
Japan's association covers Pillar II of Horizon Europe (Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness), which has a budget of €52.4 billion. Through this association, cooperation between the EU and Japan is expected to be further strengthened in multinational research and innovation projects addressing key global challenges, including health, digital technologies, climate change, energy, mobility, food and the bioeconomy.
Negotiations between the European Commission and the Government of Japan were successfully concluded in December 2025. Since January 2026, transitional arrangements have enabled Japanese entities to participate in Pillar II calls. With the entry into force of the association agreement, Japanese organisations are now able to participate as entities from an associated country.
In addition, Japanese researchers will continue to have access to the parts of Horizon Europe that are open to third countries, including the Excellent Science pillar, the Innovative Europe pillar and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).
With a population of 123 million, Japan represents one of the largest research and innovation ecosystems among the countries associated with Horizon Europe. This milestone is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the European Union and Japan in research and innovation.
For more information on Japan's association to Horizon Europe, please visit the relevant pages of the European Commission.