Australia to join EU research scheme as trade deal faces Senate impasse
Australia will join the EU’s Horizon Europe research scheme, with Industry Minister Tim Ayres due to finalise the agreement in Brussels.
The scheme supports science, industry and innovation projects across Europe and with participating countries.
It shares €93.5 billion, or about $152 billion, in funding, and Australia has promised to contribute $40 million.
Australian research priorities are expected to include critical minerals, computing, energy, climate, health and space.
A University of New South Wales project with the University of Stuttgart will develop materials for generating solar power.
The EU-Australia free trade deal is stalled in the Senate as the Nationals oppose climate provisions, including a net-zero emissions target for 2050.
Ayres is urging the Coalition to back the trade deal, while the Liberals and Greens have yet to state their positions.
Australia will join the European Union’s Horizon Europe research funding scheme, which supports science, industry and innovation projects.
Industry Minister Tim Ayres is due to finalise the agreement in Brussels on Thursday, with Australia having promised $40 million.
The move has prompted calls for the Coalition to support an EU free trade deal that faces an impasse in the Senate.
Nationals leader Matt Canavan opposes the trade deal’s commitments on the Paris Agreement and a 2050 net-zero emissions target.
The Liberals and Greens have yet to declare their positions on the trade deal, which is backed by Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.
Who
Australia, represented by Industry Minister Tim Ayres, is joining the Horizon Europe scheme.
What
Australia will join the EU research funding scheme. The EU free trade deal remains stalled in the Senate.
When
Ayres is due to finalise the research agreement on Thursday; the article is dated November 10, 2026.
Where
Brussels, Belgium.
Why
The scheme supports joint research in science, industry and innovation. Ayres says closer ties with Europe serve Australia’s national and strategic interests.
Labor
Nationals
Trade deal
Labor
Ayres urges the Coalition to support the EU free trade deal, saying it is important for Australia’s economy and national security.
Nationals
Canavan rejects the deal because it commits Australia to the Paris Agreement and a 2050 net-zero emissions target.
Climate commitments
Labor
Ayres argues the wider benefits of closer ties with Europe should not be put in jeopardy.
Nationals
Canavan stands by his rejection of the net-zero target by 2050.
The EU launched Horizon Europe to promote research across member states.
The EU free trade agreement and defence partnership were agreed.
The University of New South Wales is due to announce a joint materials research project with the University of Stuttgart.
Ayres is due to finalise Australia’s agreement to join Horizon Europe in Brussels.
Horizon Europe funding
€93.5 billion ($152 billion)
Australia’s promised contribution
$40 million
Next funding phase
€53.5 billion over seven years
Research project partners
University of New South Wales and University of Stuttgart
Proposed research priorities
Critical minerals, computing, energy, climate, health and space
This is now a very strong relationship that is all about Australia’s national interest
via SMH
You would have to have rocks in your head to oppose the EU FTA in this period, when we’re in the middle of a heightened strategic contest and trade volatility
