South Korea has officially joined the Horizon Europe Programme, making it the first Asian country to associate with the European Union’s flagship research and innovation initiative.
This strategic Horizon Europe agreement paves the way for South Korean researchers and organisations to work alongside European partners on equal footing.
Commenting on the landmark partnership, Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, said: “I welcome the Republic of Korea to Horizon Europe. The challenges we face today, from climate change to digital transformation, are global in nature.
“The association brings together leading minds from Europe and Korea to drive progress and develop solutions that will benefit us all. I look forward to the outcomes of this strengthened partnership.
Expanding global research collaboration
With today’s formal association, South Korean institutions now gain full access to the Horizon Europe Programme’s Pillar II – its largest and most collaborative section.
Pillar II, backed by a €52.4bn budget, focuses on solving shared global challenges such as climate change, clean energy, digital innovation, and public health.
South Korea’s participation in this pillar allows its researchers to lead and participate in international consortia, secure funding, and drive scientific progress across borders.
The Horizon Europe Programme, with a total budget of €93.5bn for 2021–2027, is the EU’s most ambitious research funding programme to date.
It supports global competitiveness, drives green and digital transitions, and aligns closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
South Korean Horizon Europe participation already underway
Under a transitional arrangement effective since 1 January 2025, South Korean entities have already been able to apply for funding opportunities under Pillar II of the Horizon Europe Programme.
As of today, these organisations can now be evaluated and selected as full beneficiaries under the same conditions as EU Member States.
In addition to Pillar II, Korean researchers remain eligible for other parts of the programme, including Excellent Science, Innovative Europe, and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, which support international doctoral and postdoctoral training initiatives.
Strengthening EU–South Korea scientific ties
South Korea joins a group of 19 countries associated with the Horizon Europe Programme — including EU candidates, EEA members, and countries that meet strict research and governance standards.
This new partnership strengthens the EU’s geopolitical alliances and highlights its commitment to building a global research community.
The association agreement represents a major step toward deeper scientific collaboration between Europe and Asia.
It opens doors for joint innovation in key sectors such as clean technology, digital transformation, and health research – all aimed at building a sustainable, innovation-driven future.
With South Korea now fully onboard, the Horizon Europe Programme continues to grow as a powerful engine for international research, driving solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
