Japan has officially become the 23rd associated country of Horizon Europe, the European Union's flagship research and innovation programme, which has a budget of €93.5 billion allocated for six years from 2021 to 2027. This agreement allows Japanese researchers and organizations to access EU funding and participate in Horizon Europe on equal terms with EU member states and other associated countries, including the UK, Ukraine, Canada, and Israel. Japan's association specifically covers the third pillar of the programme, which has a budget of €52.4 billion and funds multinational research projects addressing critical global challenges such as climate change, energy, health, and the digital economy. The transitional arrangements that began in January 2026 have already enabled Japanese organizations to apply for funding calls, marking a significant step in international collaboration in research and innovation. The EU and Japan have a history of collaboration outside of Horizon Europe, including agreements on space research and Earth observation data sharing. The partnership is expected to enhance the competitiveness and growth of both regions while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Ekaterina Zaharieva, the EU commissioner for start-ups, research, and innovation, emphasized the importance of international cooperation in turning research into innovation and prosperity, highlighting that science thrives when talent and ideas cross borders.