COUNCIL DECISION (EU) 2023/1081

of 15 May 2023

authorising the opening of negotiations with Japan for an Agreement on the general principles for the participation of Japan in Union programmes and on the association of Japan to Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Articles 186 and 212, in conjunction with Article 218(3) and (4) thereof,

Having regard to the recommendation from the European Commission,

Whereas:

(1) Japan fulfils the criteria in point (d) of Article 16(1) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1).

(2) Negotiations should be opened with a view to concluding an agreement with Japan on the general principles for the participation of Japan in Union programmes and on the association of Japan to Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027),

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Commission is hereby authorised to open negotiations with Japan, on behalf of the Union, for an agreement on the general principles for the participation of Japan in Union programmes and on the association of Japan to Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027).

Article 2

The negotiating directives are set out in the addendum to this Decision.

Article 3

The negotiations shall be conducted in consultation with the Asia-Oceania Working Party, for matters related to the general conditions for the participation of Japan in any Union programmes, and with the Working Party on Research, for matters related to the specific conditions for the participation of Japan in the Horizon Europe Programme.

Article 4

This Decision is addressed to the Commission.

Done at Brussels, 15 May 2023.

For the Council

The President

J. FORSSMED

(1)  Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013 (

OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1

).