Gov't urges Parliament to approve participation of Ukraine in Horizon 2020

The Government of Ukraine has approved a bill which provides for the participation of Ukraine in Horizon 2020, the largest EU research and innovation program. After the adoption of the bill by the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine will become for the first time an associated member to this powerful program that will open new opportunities for research and implementation of innovative technologies.

"Ukraine has hitherto participated in EU research programs at the level of third countries, thus it had limited opportunities. The associations to this program opens to Ukrainian scientists most benefits enjoyed by their counterparts from EU countries. We hope that the agreement on the participation of our country in the Horizon 2020 will be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada as soon as possible," Deputy Minister of the Cabinet of Ministes - Director of the Government Office for European Integration Natalia Hnydiuk.

This puts our country to a new level of integration with the EU in the field of science and technology. In particular, the associated status will now enable Ukraine to become a full member of the European Research Area and get the same rights, responsibilities and activities with the EU Member States. Thus, the simplified procedure of participation in European grant projects will increase the level of funding for domestic research, accelerate the development of innovative component of Ukraine and its economy, as well as improve the competitiveness of Ukrainian enterprises.