North Macedonia becomes associate member of Horizon Europe - new opportunities for researchers and youth

On 6 December 2021, North Macedonia and the European Commission signed an agreement for closer cooperation in research and innovation. The agreement grants the country an association status to “Horizon Europe” - a €95.5 billion research and innovation programme for the period 2021-2027. Researchers, innovators and research entities established in the country can now participate under the same conditions as entities from EU Member States. 

The association status was also granted to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as to Georgia and Israel. Except for Kosovo, which is new to the programme, the Western Balkan partners have been associated to Horizon 2020, the previous EU research and innovation programme.

“Horizon Europe” supports the 'Global Approach to Research and Innovation' and reconfirms Europe's commitment to scientific progress and innovation. The programme also aims to promote the reform of the region’s education systems, create further opportunities for the youth, and help prevent brain drain.

“Association to Horizon Europe is of mutual benefit, for the EU and for our partners, enabling tighter cooperation to boost our green and digital agendas, as well as to attract investment in research and innovation and create jobs and growth”, said Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.