Western Balkans and Republic of Moldova sign up to Horizon 2020
Five Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia – and the Republic of Moldova have secured full access to Horizon 2020.
The six countries signed association agreements in Brussels together with Robert-Jan Smits, director-general for Research and Innovation at the European Commission. The Commission said that all six countries have experience of co-operation on research and innovation with the EU through FP7, and are seeking to build on this under Horizon 2020.
Sanja Vlahović, Minister of Science of Montenegro, said: “In order to continue scientific development in Montenegro, we have set several important objectives which are in accordance with European scientific strategy. These priorities are aimed at improving activities of the scientific and research community through boosting investment in science, developing centres of excellence and scientific-technological parks, investing in international co-operation, creating a strong bond with the institutions from the region and international institutions, fostering exchanges and researchers’ mobility, as well as constant linking of science and business.”
European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Máire Geoghegan-Quinn said: “The agreements signed today are good for these countries and good for the European Union. Increased co-operation in research and innovation will create new opportunities for growth, competitiveness and jobs in all our economies. Association to Horizon 2020 will facilitate the mobility of excellent scientists, strengthen national research systems, and help the countries integrate into the European Research Area.”
The Commission added that in order to get the most out of Horizon 2020, all six countries need to build upon their experience of FP7 and strengthen national research and innovation capacities. Although participation of SMEs is still limited, the number of small enterprises engaging in research and innovation is increasing, which is another good step towards successful participation in Horizon 2020, given the programme’s greater focus on the entire innovation chain, from the lab to the market.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina stressed: “This is an excellent opportunity to participate with the best researchers in Europe and we are encouraging our academic community to actively engage in Horizon 2020.”
Following the signatures, ten countries are now associated to Horizon 2020.
