European Union and African Union Enhance Research Cooperation with Horizon Europe and Erasmus+
The European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) are deepening their research cooperation through programs like Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. African institutions are already participating in these initiatives, with Tunisia and Egypt having achieved associated status with Horizon Europe. Ethiopia is also a potential candidate for association. The new Africa Initiative IV has allocated over €605 million specifically for EU-Africa research cooperation, marking a significant investment in this partnership. While participation in selected projects is a positive step, the discussion is now moving towards formal association, which would provide a more durable position, influence, and access for African countries. The concept of associate membership, as proposed for Canada, is being considered as a potential model for African nations, suggesting a new layer of European architecture that could include the AU and African countries as co-authors of rules, research agendas, and a shared future. This initiative aims ...
