A Historic Milestone for Asian-European Scientific Collaboration
South Korea has officially joined the Horizon Europe Programme, becoming the first Asian nation to participate in the European Union’s largest research and innovation initiative. This strategic move marks a new chapter in global scientific cooperation, granting South Korean institutions access to unprecedented research opportunities alongside European partners.
Horizon Europe is known for its ambitious scope and focus on tackling global challenges. By becoming an associate member, South Korea positions itself at the forefront of collaborative innovation, particularly in areas such as clean technology, public health, climate action, and digital transformation. This partnership is not only significant from a geopolitical standpoint, but it also highlights the increasing relevance of international alliances in driving scientific and technological progress.
Equal Access to the Programme’s Most Powerful Tools
Through its association with the EU, South Korea gains full participation rights in Pillar II of Horizon Europe — the programme’s largest and most collaborative section. Backed by a budget of €52.4 billion, Pillar II focuses on addressing global challenges and boosting industrial competitiveness through research and innovation.
South Korean researchers and organizations can now lead and join international research consortia, apply for funding on the same terms as EU Member States, and contribute actively to the programme’s strategic goals. This integration allows South Korea not just to participate, but to co-create solutions with global impact.
In addition to Pillar II, Korean entities continue to be eligible for other Horizon Europe segments such as Excellent Science, Innovative Europe, and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. These areas promote scientific excellence and support international doctoral and postdoctoral training initiatives, giving Korean researchers the tools to thrive in an interconnected research ecosystem.
Strengthening Scientific Ties Between Europe and Asia
With this agreement, South Korea becomes part of an exclusive group of 19 countries associated with Horizon Europe. These include EU candidate nations, members of the European Economic Area (EEA), and other states that meet rigorous standards for research governance and integrity.
This move strengthens geopolitical ties between the European Union and South Korea, reinforcing their shared commitment to open science, innovation, and sustainable development. The collaboration also serves as a model for future partnerships between Europe and other regions of the world, proving that cross-continental alliances can offer practical solutions to common global problems.
In key sectors such as clean energy, healthcare, and digitalization, the collaboration between South Korean and European institutions is expected to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies. This is particularly relevant in a global context where innovation and sustainability are increasingly seen as intertwined priorities.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future
The integration of South Korea into Horizon Europe reflects a broader vision of international research that transcends borders and political divisions. As the world faces complex and interconnected challenges, cooperation between nations becomes essential to achieve impactful, scalable solutions.
With a total budget of €93.5 billion for the 2021–2027 period, Horizon Europe aims to boost global competitiveness, support green and digital transitions, and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. South Korea’s participation in this programme amplifies its ability to influence and benefit from these global priorities.
This new partnership opens the door to future joint innovations and knowledge exchange that will shape the scientific landscape in both Europe and Asia. It also reinforces the EU’s commitment to fostering a truly global research community—one that is open, inclusive, and focused on building a better future through science and innovation.