17/07/2025 (Agence Europe) – The Republic of Korea is now officially associated with the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation framework programme, the European Commission announced on Thursday 17 July. Korean researchers could already participate in calls for projects under Horizon Europe’s second pillar since 1 January 2025, thanks to a provisional agreement (see EUROPE 13552/15). Negotiations were concluded in March 2024 (see EUROPE 13378/10). According to the European Commission, South Korea’s association strengthens “the EU’s geopolitical alliance with like-minded countries”. In particular, it opens up new possibilities for strengthening joint research in strategic sectors such as the digital transition, health and decarbonisation. (LM)