08/12/2021 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 6 December, the European Commission signed association agreements with five Western Balkan states - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia - as well as with Georgia and Israel, so that they can participate in the EU’s Horizon Europe 2021-2027 framework programme for research and innovation (see EUROPE 12649/13). At this stage, only Iceland and Norway had formalised their association with the programme (see EUROPE 12798/9). Researchers, innovators and research entities established in these countries will therefore be able to participate in the programme alongside EU Member States, under almost similar conditions. Initially, their participation in about 20 actions will be limited. The actions in question concern areas in which “the EU has an interest relating to its technological sovereignty” (see EUROPE 12742/14). (AC)