Speaking at the signing of the agreement, Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research said, “Ukraine will now have access to the full spectrum of activities funded under Horizon 2020.”
The agreement, which the Ukrainian parliament must yet ratify, will see the country renew its membership of the EU research community. Almost 300 Ukrainians took part in the previous R&D programme, FP7, running from 2007 – 2013, making the country one of the most successful examples of the EU’s efforts to boost international research cooperation.
The circumstances are very different now and the new agreement is seen a much-needed boost for a war-torn country whose economy is in decline. Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science, Serhiy Kvit, a former president of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, has been hands-on in moving science-related institutions, including 11 universities, away from separatist-controlled regions in eastern Ukraine, according to Science Insider.
Once Ukraine pays its Horizon 2020 entrance fee, scientists, research institutions and companies can compete for funding on equal terms with EU member states. Universities may also host European Research Council (ERC) grant winners.
Ukraine has also requested access to the Euratom programme, which facilitates investments in nuclear technology, but negotiations remain to be concluded.
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