March 24, 2026
Today’s historic announcements – the conclusion of the Australia EU-FTA, the Security and Defence Partnership and fast tracking of Australia’s association with Horizon Europe – reflect the growing strategic importance of the Australian European Union partnership. In a contested, high risk global environment, the integration of trade, defence, and research is critical to economic security and national resilience.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the FTA represents more than a trade outcome – it is a nation‑building investment in research capability, innovation translation and long‑term economic productivity.
“From day one, the Go8 has viewed the FTA as an opportunity to create knowledge trade routes between Australia and Europe, not just exchange goods. By linking trade policy with research collaboration, the FTA enables Australia to be not just a trading partner, but a partner in discovery and innovation.
“Trade enables scale, defence builds trust, and research delivers the capability that underpins both. Australia needs all three to succeed. Association with Horizon Europe completes the picture – supplying the research and innovation capability that allows trade and defence cooperation to deliver long‑term national benefit.
“This is a strategic national decision, not a symbolic one. Association with Horizon Europe gives Australia a front‑row seat to the world’s biggest breakthroughs. It places our researchers, industries and institutions inside the world’s most influential collaborative R&D ecosystem – where standards are set, breakthroughs are scaled, and global priorities are shaped.
“Association with Horizon Europe will strengthen productivity, security and resilience. At a time of reshoring supply chains, accelerating energy transitions and intensifying technological competition, Horizon Europe directly supports Australia’s economic productivity, sovereign capability and national security.
“Access to Horizon Europe is about much more than funding. It allows Australian researchers and firms not only to participate, but to lead projects, shape research agendas and collaborate at scale across health, energy, defence, climate and advanced manufacturing.”
European Australian Business Council CEO Jason Collins said association with Horizon Europe is one of the most strategically significant opportunities for Australia’s research and innovation system in a generation.
“Horizon Europe gives Australia access to a scale of collaboration, infrastructure and influence that no national programme can replicate. It will embed Australian universities, researchers and industry partners at the heart of the world’s largest collaborative research programme, accelerating discovery, translation and global impact.
“Australia produces world‑class research. Horizon Europe will convert that excellence into global impact, faster translation and stronger industry outcomes,” Mr Collins said.
This milestone decision aligns squarely with longstanding Go8 advocacy. As the universities responsible for around 70 per cent of Australia’s university research effort, the Go8 has argued for almost a decade that joining Horizon Europe is critical to Australia’s global competitiveness.
Advanced economies around the world are leveraging research and innovation as drivers of growth, competitiveness and trusted international partnerships, and are already embedded in Horizon Europe. This places Australia on an equal footing with countries including Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Go8 universities are a central pillar of Australia’s national research capability, investing around $10 billion annually in R&D. As leading research‑intensive institutions, the Go8 is committed to unlocking the full potential of Australia’s entire research and innovation ecosystem.
The Go8 Board has decided to support the Australian Government’s initiative and contribute to the Horizon Europe joining fee. This is an investment in national capability: reducing upfront costs to government, leveraging access to a global research funding pool, and maximising system‑wide returns through collaboration, industry participation and spill‑over benefits across the research ecosystem.
Contact: Vicki Thomson, Group of Eight Chief Executive on +61 438 047 155
Background
Horizon Europe – what it is and why it matters for Australia
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s main research and innovation program. It runs from 2021 to 2027 and funds science and technology to tackle big global challenges – things like climate change, health, energy, digital technology and advanced manufacturing. It is the largest research funding program in the world.
How big is it?
Horizon Europe has a budget of around €95.5 billion over seven years. That’s a major step up from the previous program and shows how seriously Europe is investing in science, innovation and economic growth. The funding supports everything from basic research to large industry‑led projects.
Who’s in it?
All 27 EU countries take part automatically. On top of that, 22 non‑EU countries are already associated with the program and have access to funding on similar terms. These include the UK (re‑joined in 2024), Switzerland (joined in late 2025), Norway, Israel, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. Egypt joined in 2025, and Japan is now in formal talks.
Where does Australia sit right now?
Australia is not currently associated with Horizon Europe. That means Australian researchers can’t directly receive Horizon funding or lead major projects. However, talks between Australia and the EU began in September 2025 about Australia joining the program. The focus so far has been on Australia participating in Pillar II, which covers collaborative research on global challenges such as climate, health, industry, digital technologies and space.
What would change if Australia joined?
Association will give Australian universities, researchers and companies direct access to Horizon Europe funding and projects. They could apply for grants, lead international research teams and take part in large‑scale projects that are currently out of reach.
Why does this matter for research?
Horizon Europe brings together the world’s best researchers and industry partners. Being part of it would allow Australian scientists to work alongside leading teams across Europe and other partner countries on problems no one nation can solve alone. That boosts the quality, scale and impact of Australian research.
What’s the economic upside?
EU‑funded research programs are designed to turn ideas into real‑world outcomes – new technologies, startups, industries and jobs. Participation will help Australian research reach global markets faster, attract international investment, and strengthen high‑tech sectors. The European Commission estimates Horizon Europe delivers strong economic returns, showing the scale of opportunity involved.
Why is this strategic for Australia?
Many of Australia’s peers are already inside the tent. New Zealand and South Korea are associated. Japan is negotiating. Singapore is in advanced discussions. If Australia stays out, it risks being sidelined from major international research collaborations. Joining Horizon Europe will lock Australia into the global science system, give us a voice in setting research priorities, and strengthen ties with like‑minded economies at a time of growing global competition for talent, technology and investment.
