2023 will see the European Commission open a new Horizon Europe programme (HE) office in Kyiv, supporting research and innovation across Ukraine
February 2023 has seen the announcement of a new office for Horizon, Europe’s flagship innovation funding programme, in Kyiv, Ukraine. The office will be able to offer support to the National Contact Points between Horizon Europe and Ukraine strengthening research and innovation networks within the institutions.
The association between Horizon Europe and Ukraine has been in force since 9 June 2022 and supports Ukrainian researchers and investors in the context of ongoing military aggression by Russia.
According to Association rules, Ukrainian entities can participate in the programme on equal terms, just as other EU Member States can. One difference is that Ukraine is not expected to contribute financially for the years 2021, 2022 and 2023.
What support measures are being developed for Horizon Europe and Ukraine?
According to the European Commission, a €25 million fellowship scheme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, a €20 million action by the European Innovation Council to support deep tech start-ups of Ukraine and a €5 million action to facilitate peer-to-peer cooperation with the Ukrainian cities on climate neutrality principles in the local recovery plans have already been actioned.
Creating stronger ties between the EU and Ukrainian research and innovation communities
According to the commission, the Horizon Europe Office will organise targeted innovation events, “provide training on drafting competitive proposals and assist Ukrainian researchers and innovators to find project partners in the member states and associated countries to the programme”.
European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabirel commented:
“The Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine will support its participation in the programme, safeguarding the country’s research and innovation capacity and creating stronger ties between the EU and Ukrainian research and innovation communities.”
Helping steer and encourage Ukraine’s recovery
The EU has committed itself to “nurturing and preserving Ukraine’s research and innovation ecosystem as it will help steer Ukraine’s recovery towards green, digital and sustainable economy and society”.
All programme applicants are encouraged to create opportunities for Ukrainian research and innovation actors impacted by the war.
Despite damages inflicted on research infrastructure (15% damaged or destroyed), as of January 2023, Ukrainian research and innovation actors participate in 49 Horizon Europe grants with a net EU funding of €13 million. These are remarkable results as Ukraine’s participation is on par with pre-war levels. The Horizon Europe Office in Kyiv will contribute to reinforcing this resilience.
The Horizon Europe Office in Kyiv will contribute to reinforcing this resilience.
