Today marks a significant milestone for Canadian research and innovation, with Canada set to sign its association with Horizon Europe Pillar II.
Back in November 2023, the Canadian Government closed substantiative negotiations with the European Commission to join Pillar II of Horizon Europe as an associate country.
At 17:00 CEST, François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will join European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, to sign the landmark agreement.
You can watch the signing of the agreement here.
Benefits of Horizon Europe Pillar II
Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship funding programme, with a substantial budget of €95.5bn to tackle some of the planet’s most urgent issues through research and innovation.
Pillar II of Horizon Europe tackles ‘Global challenges and European industrial competitiveness’.
Pillar II targets major global issues and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance lives and safeguard the planet.
It also focuses on boosting Europe’s technological competitiveness through complex, interdisciplinary research and innovation.
Pillar II comprises six clusters, supported by JRC activities and crosscutting ‘Missions’. These include:
- Health;
- Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Societies;
- Civil Security for Society;
- Digital, Industry & Space;
- Climate, Energy and Mobility;
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment
Canada’s increased involvement in Horizon Europe via Pillar II will enable researchers to participate in open calls on equal terms with their counterparts in EU Member States and other associated countries.
This will allow Canadian researchers to lead consortia and have the opportunity to be directly funded via the programme.
Ivanova commented: “I am convinced that deeper cooperation between the EU and like-minded partners such as Canada is a must in delivering solutions for the global challenges we are facing, including in the areas of climate, energy and digital transitions, health, mobility, industry and social inclusion.”
Canadian reaction
Leading researchers in Canada have expressed their excitement about the development, emphasising the transformative impacts of deeper involvement in Horizon Europe.
Daniel Jutras of the Université de Montréal said: “Horizon Europe opens very promising new avenues for our research teams.
The Université de Montréal has always been a key partner for European research institutions, and these collaborations can be strengthened by this important programme.”
Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University, believes the collaboration will be key to solving the world’s most important issues.
“McGill welcomes the opportunities to engage with international partners through the Horizon Europe programme so that together we may effectively address the pressing challenges facing our world and strengthen the long-standing, fruitful relationship between Canada and the EU.”
