09/06/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 9 June, the European Commission and Australia concluded negotiations on Australia’s association to the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, which currently has a budget of €93.5 billion. From January 2027, thanks to a transitional agreement, Australian organisations will no longer be regarded as coming from “third countries” and having to self-finance. They will become “eligible entities” under the programme’s ‘Pillar II’, which will allow them direct access to European funding on an equal footing with Member States, and to lead project consortia. This enhanced partnership will target several major challenges, such as digital, space, climate, energy and the bioeconomy. Australian organisations already take part in 239 Horizon Europe projects, with a success rate of nearly 24.4%. (JM)