The bloc began engaging with Japan over a potential membership in 2024.
Japan has officially joined Horizon Europe, the European Union’s €93.5bn flagship research and innovation programme.
The agreement allows Japanese researchers and organisations to tap EU funding and take part in Horizon Europe on equal footing with the bloc’s member states and the programme’s 22 other associated countries, including the UK, Ukraine, Canada and Israel.
With more than €90bn allocated for a period of six years between 2021 and 2027, Horizon Europe supports cutting-edge research to address global challenges such as the climate crisis, help achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and improve the bloc’s competitiveness and growth.
Japan’s association covers the third pillar of the programme, which has a budget of €52.4bn. This pillar, according to the EU, funds multinational research and innovation projects that addresses challenges related to climate, energy, health and the digital economy.
