Canada is officially associated with Horizon Europe Pillar II, unlocking vast opportunities for Canadian researchers and organisations to work alongside EU counterparts on pressing global challenges.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s flagship programme for funding collaborative research and innovation that addresses global challenges and drives industrial competitiveness.
This strategic association opens the door for Canadian researchers, universities, and companies to partner with Europe’s top scientific institutions on equal terms, creating powerful new pathways for tackling shared priorities such as climate action, health, digital transformation, and sustainable industry.
To promote awareness and understanding of these opportunities, the European Union and Canada’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) launched a nationwide roadshow throughout March 2025.
The tour aimed to bring the Horizon Europe programme closer to the Canadian research and innovation community.
Horizon Europe Pillar II: What it means for Canada
Canada’s association with Horizon Europe Pillar II, formalised on 3 July 2024, positions Canadian researchers to participate in collaborative EU research projects on equal footing.
This pillar is dedicated to tackling global challenges, such as climate change, health crises, and digital transformation while enhancing industrial competitiveness.
Through this association, Canadian entities are now eligible for direct funding from Horizon Europe and can both join and lead research consortia with Europe’s top scientific institutions.
This historic partnership is backed by Canada’s financial contribution to the programme’s budget starting in 2024.
Nationwide roadshow brings Horizon Europe to the forefront
To help Canadian stakeholders navigate the programme, a series of in-person sessions were held across the country.
From 10-14 March, the roadshow visited Vancouver, Edmonton, and Saskatoon, before moving east to Montréal, Halifax, and St. John’s between March 24–28.
Hosted by representatives from the European Commission, the EU Delegation to Canada, ISED, the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA), Euraxess North America, and Horizon Academy, the sessions offered practical guidance on application procedures, evaluation criteria, and funding opportunities.
Strengthening EU-Canada scientific ties
The roadshow coincided with two major bilateral meetings in Ottawa: the Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee on 18 March and the first EU-Canada Association Committee on 19 March.
These events underscored the commitment on both sides to deepen cooperation and scientific exchange.
With a strong turnout from researchers, academic institutions, and private sector innovators, the roadshow’s success reflects the growing enthusiasm for cross-border collaboration under Horizon Europe Pillar II.
As Canadian and EU scientists join forces, the future of global innovation looks increasingly collaborative and promising.
