Moldova signs agreement on participation in EU Research Framework Program Horizon Europe

Chisinau, 27 October /MOLDPRES/- Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița and Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth signed today in Brussels an Agreement on participation of the Republic of Moldova in the European Union Framework Program for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe for 2021-2027, the government's communication and protocol department has reported.

Following the association, Moldova will get similar participation rights to EU member states, which will allow it to cooperate and compete as an equal partner in all competitions announced under the Horizon Europe Program. The program provides opportunities for the exchange of European and international best practices, attracting researchers, access to research infrastructure and solving the challenges facing contemporary society.

From 2014 until now, Moldova has benefited from 7.4 million euros under the Horizon 2020 program. The success rate of eligible projects under the program is 14 percent, being higher than the average of the associated states in the region.

The program's goals are to promote research and innovation, to strengthen the link between research, innovation, education and other policies. At the same time, the program aims to ensure complementarity with research and innovation policies and activities at national, regional and European Union level.

It is based on three pillars that complement each other and are interconnected. The first pillar supports scientific excellence in basic research and the development of young talent in the fields of research and innovation. The second pillar supports research that addresses societal challenges and industrial technologies in areas such as health, security, digital and essential generic technologies, climate, energy and mobility, food supply and natural resources, and ensures that the entire research and innovation process is funded; embedded in the issue of global challenges. The third pillar focuses on stepping up innovation through the establishment of the European Innovation Council and supporting research-oriented entrepreneurship. The three pillars are supported by activities to strengthen the European Research Area, namely through the components: expanding participation, spreading excellence, reforming and strengthening the European research and innovation system.

The Republic of Moldova participates as an associated country and contributes to all parts of the Horizon Europe Program. It should be mentioned that our country's participation in the framework programs of the European Union is a way to internationalize the national system of research and innovation, as well as to ensure the process of integration into the European Research Area.

Photo: Government