The Horizon 2021-2027 is the biggest research and innovation programme in the world, with a budget of some 95.5 billion euros ($110.8 billion).

“Israel joining Horizon Europe will lead to high-quality jobs, cutting-edge technologies and the opening of new Israeli businesses. We are continuing to lead Israel to new heights in both business and technological innovation,’’ declared Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

After a year of negotiations, Israel and the European Union have finalized an agreement for Israel’s accession to the EU’s Horizon Research & Development programme, the largest of its kind programme in the world with a total budget of some 95.5 billion euros.  

Alongside the approval of the text of the agreement, a mutual approval process is currently underway in the European Commission and in Israel in order that the agreement come into effect during the current work year. The signing of the agreement is expected to take place in December.

“Israel joining Horizon Europe will lead to high-quality jobs, cutting-edge technologies and the opening of new Israeli businesses. We are continuing to lead Israel to new heights in both business and technological innovation,’’ declared Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid.

The Horizon programme will take place over a period of seven years.

Lapid said his ministry ‘’ will continue to create economic and scientific opportunities for Israel.’’

He noted that Israel joining Horizon ‘’is yet another step in our policy of connections, bringing us closer not only to the European Union as a whole but also to each of the countries of Europe on a bilateral level as well, and building a connection between the science and technology sectors in Israel and their European counterparts.’’

The agreement places Israel as a central player in one of the most important research and development programmes in the world.

Israel has been participating in European R&D programmes for 25 years as an associated country.

The programme fosters many scientific and economic benefits for both Israel and Europe. Israel’s participation in the programme will significantly contribute to scientific and technological research and knowledge industries, as well as to commerce and the economy, and will promote Israeli industry while simultaneously creating opportunities for Israeli companies to enter European markets.

Israel’s accession to the programme has also a political importance in terms of the relations between Israel and the European Union.