Japan has officially joined the European Union's Horizon Europe research programme, giving Japanese scientists and organisations access to the bloc's flagship research
and innovation funding scheme on the same terms as participants from EU member states.
The agreement makes Japan the 23rd country associated with Horizon Europe and brings one of the world's largest and most technologically advanced research communities into the EU's scientific cooperation network.
With a population of about 123 million, Japan is the most populous country to join the programme.
Japanese researchers will be able to participate in and lead international research projects, compete for EU funding and collaborate with universities, companies and research institutions across Europe.
The European Commission and the Japanese government concluded negotiations on the country's association in December 2025. Transitional arrangements introduced in January 2026 have already allowed Japanese organisations to apply for calls under Horizon Europe's second pillar and be assessed as potential beneficiaries.
The EU said the agreement would strengthen its strategic partnership with Japan and deepen cooperation on areas including digital technologies, healthcare and technologies aimed at supporting climate neutrality.
Japan's association covers Horizon Europe's Pillar II, which has a budget of €52.4bn. The pillar supports multinational research and innovation projects focused on major challenges including climate change, energy, health and the digital economy.
Japan will also make a financial contribution to the programme to cover the participation of its organisations.
Japanese researchers will continue to be eligible for other parts of Horizon Europe that are open to participants from non-EU countries. These include the Excellent Science and Innovative Europe pillars, as well as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which support doctoral and postdoctoral training and international research collaboration.
Long-term EU-Japan research ties
Horizon Europe has a total budget of €93.5bn for the 2021-2027 period and is the EU's main programme for funding research and innovation.
The programme aims to support scientific research and technological development while addressing global challenges, including the green and digital transitions, and strengthening Europe's economic competitiveness.
Japan's accession builds on more than a decade of formal scientific cooperation between the two sides. The EU and Japan signed a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement in 2011, establishing a framework for closer collaboration.
More recently, an EU-Japan expert panel working under an enhanced dialogue on advanced materials examined opportunities for cooperation in areas including electronics, mobility, construction, energy and data-driven science.
The EU says the latest agreement is intended to expand such cooperation and create new opportunities for researchers and businesses on both sides.
Japan now joins 22 other countries associated with Horizon Europe through arrangements linked to the European Economic Area, the EU enlargement process, the European Neighbourhood Policy or agreements with eligible third countries and territories. Photo by Bobo12345 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia commons.