Researchers and innovators from Georgia will now be able to participate in Horizon 2020, the EU's framework programme for research and innovation, under the same conditions as their counterparts from EU Member States and other associated countries.

The agreement associating Georgia to Horizon 2020 was signed on 29 April 2016, on behalf of the European Commission by Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, and Tamar Sanikidze, Georgian Minister for Education and Science.

With a budget of €77 billion for 2014-2020, Horizon 2020 is the largest multinational programme dedicated to research and innovation. Until now, Georgia participated in Horizon 2020 as a third country. Association covers the years 2016-2020 and opens up new opportunities to the country's universities, research institutions and enterprises.

 

Commissioner Carlos Moedas said: "I am very pleased to welcome Georgia into Horizon 2020 , the world's largest public funding programme for research and innovation. EU research, science and innovation is open to the world for collaboration and we value working together with our partners to invest in knowledge and innovation for the future. Georgia's association will bring a diversity of expertise and ideas, enriching our international research cooperation."

Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations said:  "The full association of Georgia into Horizon 2020 will allow its enterprises and research institutions to become even more competitive and resilient.  Georgia is an important partner for the EU and a frontrunner of the Eastern Partnership:  extending Horizon 2020 to Georgia is a further, concrete sign of our commitment to closer political association and economic integration with the country."

 

This Agreement allows for Georgia's enhanced cooperation with the EU in research and innovation, which are vital for successful and modern economies. It shows the commitment of the Union to develop the scientific and innovation capacity of its associated partners. It also represents another step towards reaching the EU goal of opening research and innovation to the world.

 

Georgian research institutes, universities and individual researchers will now have access to all opportunities offered by Horizon 2020 that funds diverse scientific areas, from blue sky research to demonstration projects. Georgian SMEs and businesses will also be able to benefit from increased support to develop new ideas and bring products and services to the market.