The fourth meeting of the EU–Armenia Joint Research and Innovation (R&I) Committee under Horizon Europe took place in Yerevan, Armenia, on 23 October 2025, marking another step forward in strengthening scientific and technological collaboration between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia
Strengthening strategic cooperation
The EU–Armenia Joint Research and Innovation meeting was co-chaired by Artur Martirosyan, Deputy Minister for Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia, and Carole Mancel-Blanchard, Head of the “International Cooperation – Europe and Americas” Unit at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.
The discussions focused on the growing momentum of EU–Armenia cooperation in research and innovation, supported by Armenia’s active participation in Horizon Europe. Armenia’s participation continues to expand, with the EU budget contribution to Armenian entities reaching €8.11 million in 2025, compared to €7 million in 2024 and €4.2 million under the previous Horizon 2020 programme.
The EU–Armenia Joint Research and Innovation meeting highlighted how the new EU–Armenia Partnership Agenda is reinforcing collaboration and creating new opportunities for Armenian researchers, innovators, and institutions to connect with European networks.
EU support for Armenia’s innovation ecosystem
The EU delegation shows the importance of Armenia’s dynamic startup ecosystem, which has grown significantly in recent years. This development has been supported through the EU’s €270 million Resilience and Growth Plan for Armenia for 2024–2027. The plan promotes digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship while aligning national initiatives with broader European objectives.
The EU side also emphasised the importance of creating more substantial synergies between these national programmes and Horizon Europe funding opportunities, ensuring that Armenian innovators can benefit from Europe-wide research partnerships and technological development efforts.
Outlook on the following framework programme
Participants were briefed on the upcoming Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (FP10), which will continue under the name Horizon Europe. The European Commission adopted the draft regulation for FP10 in July 2025 as part of the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034.
The new framework is designed to serve as a key instrument for promoting Europe’s competitiveness and global leadership in innovation. With a proposed budget of €175 billion, FP10 aims to strengthen research capacities, accelerate innovation, and deepen international collaboration with partners, including Armenia.
Armenia’s advancing research landscape
The Armenian side presented several significant national reforms shaping the country’s research and innovation ecosystem. These include the newly adopted Law on Higher Education and Science, the reorganisation of the Science Committee, and the ambitious Academic City project, which aims to establish Armenia as a regional hub for education, research, and technology.
Armenia also reported progress in integrating into the European Research Area (ERA), particularly through initiatives focused on improving research assessment, developing research infrastructure, and attracting young scientists. Newly launched national programmes are also encouraging joint participation with EU researchers, further embedding Armenia within the ERA framework.
Both sides discussed the most critical steps to increase the participation and success rate of Armenian organisations in Horizon Europe, including greater engagement in actions such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the European Research Council, and the European Innovation Council.
The EU–Armenia Joint Research and Innovation meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the EU and Armenia’s shared commitment to strengthening research and innovation ties. The next meeting of the Joint R&I Committee is scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2026, where both sides plan to assess progress and outline new areas for collaboration under Horizon Europe’s remaining years.
