On 16 April 2026, the third EU-North Macedonia Joint Research and Innovation (R&I) Committee meeting under Horizon Europe took place in Brussels.
The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Mina Stareva, Deputy Head of Unit for ‘International cooperation – Europe and Americas’, DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and Ms. Ksenija Hadji Toseva Avramcheva, Deputy Head of International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Science of North Macedonia.
Policy developments
Detailed presentations were given on new EU initiatives such as the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the ERA Policy Actions 2025-2027, and the European AI in Science Strategy Furthermore, the European Commission’s proposal for the next Research and Innovation Framework Programme was presented in more detail.
North Macedonia side presented latest updates on the country’s R&I policy landscape, such as adoption of the new national Law on Innovation Activity, Scientific and Technological Development, and Entrepreneurship in 2025 leading to the establishment of the national Agency for Innovation Activity, Scientific and Technological Development and Entrepreneurship (INOVA).
Horizon Europe Association
The two sides took updated on recent statistics on North Macedonia’s participation in Horizon Europe calls and reviewed participation under specific Horizon Europe Actions. The European Commission presented funding opportunities under the 2026-2027 Work Programme.
Furthermore, North Macedonian side updated about the implementation of its national Smart Specialisation Strategy, especially the Action Plan 2026.
The next Horizon Europe Joint Committee Meeting will take place in Skopje in 2027.
