The European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, and the Canadian Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne, signed Canada’s association agreement to Pillar II of Horizon Europe in Montreal on Wednesday 3 July. This part of the European Union’s framework programme for research and innovation funds research projects linked to global societal issues, while encouraging interdisciplinary and international cooperation.
This signing follows the announced conclusion of negotiations at the EU-Canada Summit on 24 November 2023 (see EUROPE 13298/20) by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Both welcomed the formalisation of the agreement in a joint statement.
Canadian research entities will be able to benefit from opportunities and funding under Horizon Europe. In return, Canada will contribute to the budget of the EU’s framework programme. Minister Champagne announced a Canadian contribution of $150 million over the next 4 years.
Canadian research entities will also be able to join and lead research consortia with some of the best research organisations in countries participating in Horizon Europe.
A transitional arrangement had been put in place for Canadian entities, which were already able to apply and be assessed as potential beneficiaries for Horizon Europe Pillar II proposals under the 2024 budget.
Link to the joint statement: https://aeur.eu/f/cxd (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)