Yesterday, on May 4, 2023, the European Commission informed us that the application for the establishment of the Office of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe” in Ukraine on the basis of the National Research Foundation of Ukraine had been positively evaluated and approved. This means that very soon Ukrainian researchers will be able to receive assistance on the opportunities of the Horizon Europe programme and new targeted support programs for Ukraine in the field of science and research.

We remind you that the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the decision to establish Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine on the basis of the NRFU at a meeting of the College of the European Commission and the Government of Ukraine on February 2, 2023. The decision was made by the EC based on its own positive assessment of the NRFU’s work, and also taking into account the future plans presented by Ukraine to build the NRFU’s capacity under the Recovery Plan of Ukraine.

The European Commission is confident that the establishment of the Office will be a catalyst for strengthening Ukraine’s participation in the Horizon Europe programme and will help preserve Ukraine’s research and innovation potential in difficult times for research, create sustainable links between the research and innovation communities of Ukraine and the EU, and facilitate Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area.

The Office is expected to be funded by a targeted grant from the Horizon Europe programme budget for 2023-2024. After the conclusion of the relevant Grant Agreement, the National Research Foundation of Ukraine will receive a grant for 100% of the Office’s funding. This is a unique case when the EU provides financial assistance to finance the Office’s work within 36 months.

In order for the Grant Agreement to be signed, it is necessary to wait for the approval of amendments to certain legal acts by the relevant authorities, in particular the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine. We hope for a positive decision of the Government and look forward to large-scale joint work towards Ukraine’s integration into the European Research Area.

After the relevant amendments are made, active recruitment of highly qualified personnel for the Office will start. We look forward to the support of the Government!