As previously reported by UKRO, the European Commission and New Zealand have concluded the negotiations on New Zealand’s association to Horizon Europe’s Pillar 2. With the ratification of the Association Agreement expected in 2023, the Commission has now updated the List of Participating Countries in Horizon Europe in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
The special transitional arrangements for candidate Associated Countries now also apply to New Zealand. This means that organisations from New Zealand can request EU funding and be included as beneficiaries in applications submitted to upcoming calls for proposals under the six Clusters of Pillar 2.
However, similarly to the current UK situation, if by the time of the signature of the grant agreement for a successful project the association process has not been finalised, the status of organisations from New Zealand will need to be changed to that of Associated Partners and they will not be funded through Horizon Europe.
UKRO understands that the Association Agreement’s ratification process on both sides could take up to 18 months.
UKRO maintains dedicated factsheets with more information about the association policy in Horizon Europe and on UK participation in EU programmes.