Japan has officially joined Horizon Europe, becoming the largest non-European nation to take part in the European Union’s flagship research and innovation programme.

The east Asian country’s association covers Horizon Europe Pillar II, which has a budget of €52.4 billion (£45 billion) and funds research addressing societal challenges related to climate, energy, health and the digital economy.

“As Horizon Europe’s 23rd associated country, Japan strengthens a growing global community that believes openness, excellence and international cooperation are essential to turning research into innovation and innovation into prosperity,” said Ekaterina Zaharieva, commissioner for start-ups, research and innovation.

Associating to the programme means that a non-EU country can join by making a financial contribution. The agreement allows Japanese researchers and organisations to take part in Horizon Europe on the same terms as those from EU countries and other partner countries. They can join or lead international research projects and receive EU funding.

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Negotiations between Japan and the European Commission concluded in December last year. Since then, organisations in the country have been able to apply to Pillar II calls, the commission said in its statement.

South Korea is the only other Asian country associated with the programme.

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The current Horizon Europe programme, which ends in 2027, has a budget of €93.5 billion. The terms of the next seven-year framework, FP10, are being negotiated. It has a proposed budget of €175 billion, nearly double the amount allocated to the current framework.

Earlier this year, the European Commission announced that Australia would associate to Pillar II of the current framework.

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com