1 minute read / February 6, 2026
The European Commission and India have today launched exploratory discussions on the possible association to Horizon Europe. The launch of these talks follows the 16th EU–India Summit in New Delhi, where leaders from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic cooperation across trade, security, science, innovation and mobility.
Association to the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation is the closest form of international cooperation in Science and Technology between the European Union and a non-EU country.
At present, 22 non-EU countries are associated with Horizon Europe: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Egypt, the Faroe Islands, Georgia, Iceland, Israel, Korea, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Tunisia, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Beyond the associated countries, negotiations for association were successfully concluded with Japan on 21 Dec 2025, while association negotiations with Morocco are currently paused.
Exploratory talks are currently ongoing with Australia.
