On Wednesday 24 April, the European Commission announced that it had begun exploratory talks with the Singapore government in anticipation of Singapore’s possible association with Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation (R&I).
Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, made the announcement after meeting Tan Chorh Chuan, Permanent Secretary of the Singapore National Research Foundation, on the sidelines of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ministerial meeting on science and technology policy in Paris.
The Commission has indicated that the two parties will now begin a series of technical discussions.
These discussions will examine the main parameters and principles of a potential association agreement.
Following this review, the parties will decide whether or not to enter into formal negotiations.
Ms Ivanova has made partnerships with third countries sharing common objectives and values one of her strategic priorities (see EUROPE 13234/2). (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)