Today, the agreement associating Ukraine to Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme (2021-2027) and the Euratom Research and Training Programme (2021-2025) entered into force, following its ratification by Ukraine. The Ukrainian research and innovation actors can now fully participate in these programmes on equal terms with entities from the EU Members States.
In view of the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s commitment to offer tangible means of support to the Ukrainian research and innovation community, Ukraine will participate in Horizon Europe and Euratom Programmes without having to contribute financially for years 2021 and 2022. Its waived contribution was estimated at around €20 million.
This support is complementary to ongoing ERA4Ukraine, Horizon4Ukraine and ERC4Ukraine initiatives as well as MSCA4Ukraine, the dedicated fellowship scheme of €25 million under the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) for displaced researchers of Ukraine. Among other support measures, the Ukrainian start-ups and deep tech SMEs will benefit from a targeted €20 million action led by the European Innovation Council (EIC).
In these critical times, Ukraine’s association to Horizon Europe and Euratom Research & Training Programmes demonstrates the strength of our partnership, which can only grow stronger, as the EU continues to stand with Ukraine. The EU’s strong commitment to nurturing Ukraine’s research and innovation talent is vital both for building broader collaboration under our Association Agreement as well as for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.” — Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth
The association supports the ’Global Approach to Research and Innovation’ and reconfirms Europe’s commitment to a level of global openness needed to drive excellence, pool resources for faster scientific progress and develop vibrant innovation ecosystems.
Background
Relations between the EU and Ukraine in the field of research and innovation date back to 2002 when the European Community and Ukraine signed an Agreement on cooperation in Science and Technology.
In 2015, Ukraine became fully associated to Horizon 2020 with 170 Ukrainian entities receiving close to €46 million in EU funding and showing innovation leadership and excellence in researchers’ mobility, under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, as well as in transport and energy.
The prominent examples of success stories include: DIABOLO, developing harmonised information for forest ecosystems management, SENSKIN offering new maintenance techniques in transport infrastructure, RESPONSE focusing on eco-solutions to power the cities of the future, and EURAD handling radioactive waste management.
In 2016, Ukraine and the EU also concluded an agreement on the association of the country to the Euratom Research and Training Programme. The Euratom Research and Training Programme aims at improving the levels of nuclear safety and radiation protection.
Related links
- International cooperation in R&I – Ukraine
- Horizon Europe
- Euratom
- Europe’s Global Approach to Research and Innovation
