Horizon Europe ‘bureaucracy’ a fear in Australia and New Zealand

Countries call for simplification of rules, as European Commission encourages them to join R&D programme

Representatives of the Australian and New Zealand governments have raised concerns over the “bureaucratic burden” of taking part in the EU’s research and innovation programmes.

Their concerns emerged as the European Commission talked up the promise of both countries becoming associated to the 2021-27 programme, Horizon Europe, at a launch event for the two countries on 23 August. Association enables the broadest possible participation for non-EU countries, in exchange for a budget contribution.