Albania Signs Association Agreements to the Horizon Europe
Albania signed Association Agreements to the Horizon Europe programme thus completing the Western Balkans association to Horizon Europe.
On behalf of Albania, Evis Kushi, Minister of Education and Sports signed the Association Agreements to the Horizon Europe. After co-signing the Association Agreements, Mariya Gabriel, EC's Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said:
I welcome Albania to Horizon Europe. Through mutual cooperation in research and innovation we can turn current challenges into opportunities. The implementation of the Western Balkans Agenda and participation in Horizon Europe will have a great impact in the region and in Europe overall.
Earlier other Western Balkan economies joined the Horizon Europe programme. On that occasion, Commissioner Gabriel commented that
We can attract investment, develop human capital, support start-ups and create the necessary conditions for growth by working together.
This marks an important milestone for closer research and innovation cooperation with the Western Balkans.
Association to the EU’s Framework Programme on Research and Innovation is the closest form of cooperation in science and technology. It has proven, and will continue to be instrumental for smooth R&I cooperation and funding of joint innovation projects with partners from the region, enabling mutual access to excellence, innovation and research resources.
Horizon Europe Association Agreements benefits
Accordingly, researchers, innovators and research entities from the Western Balkan region can fully participate in the EU’s €95.5 billion programme as other entities from the EU. They will get a chance to develop innovative projects and new technologies that will contribute to tackling global challenges.
In addition, their representatives will join governance structures implementing the programme. Furthermore, they can participate as observers in the JRC Board of Governors and their National Contact Points (NCPs) are fully included in all activities of the NCPs network.