02 Mar 2026
EC and New Zealand hold Horizon Europe association Joint Committee meeting
On 25 February 2026, the European Commission hosted the meeting of the Horizon Europe (HE) Association Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) with New Zealand in Brussels. This was the 3rd Joint Committee Meeting since New Zealand became associated to Pillar II of Horizon Europe in July 2023.
The meeting was co-chaired by Cristina Russo, Deputy Director General, Innovation, Prosperity and International Cooperation, Directorate General for Research & Innovation, European Commission and Iain Cossar, Programme Director, Science and Science System Reforms from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand.
The meeting celebrated New Zealand’s success to date in Horizon Europe, noting the 22 ongoing projects in Pillar II with more to come and 50 grants for the entire programme. The agenda covered various aspects and mutual interest topics, including New Zealand’s ongoing funding reforms, research security and an update on the next Framework Programme proposal 2028-2034.
The meeting reflected strong mutual interest in further deepening R&I cooperation between New Zealand and the EU as trusted, reliable, and like-minded partners to advance science and address global challenges.
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