The European Commission has signed agreements with four Western Balkan countries, including Northern Macedonia, as well as Israel and Georgia, which are now partners in the Horizon Europe program.
For the period 2021-2027, BiH, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Israel and Georgia become partner partners in the program. Kosovo is the new country in the region joining the project. In the previous period, the other three Balkan countries have already participated.
The Horizon Europe program is committed to innovation and research and allows participants to collaborate under the same conditions as those of the European Union.
With a budget of € 95,5 billion, Horizon Europe aims to boost Europe ‘s competitiveness in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Participants share knowledge, technologies and research at the same time in the hope that this will mean job creation and economic growth.
EU Innovation Commissioner Maria Gabriel welcomed the accession of these six countries outside the EU today.
“Joining Horizon Europe is mutually beneficial for the EU and our partners, enabling closer co-operation to advance our green and digital agenda and attract investment,” said Gabriel.