After months of negotiations, a major agreement has been reached on Horizon Europe, the European Union`s flagship research and innovation program. The agreement was reached by the EU`s member states and the European Parliament, and it sets the budget for the program at €95.5 billion for the period 2021-2027.

The Horizon Europe program is the successor to Horizon 2020, which was the largest-ever EU research and innovation program. Horizon Europe aims to drive scientific excellence and technological innovation across Europe, with a particular focus on societal challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and health.

The agreement on Horizon Europe is a significant milestone for Europe`s research and innovation community. It means that scientists, researchers, and innovators across the continent will have access to substantial funding to pursue cutting-edge research and develop new technologies.

One of the key features of Horizon Europe is its emphasis on collaboration and partnerships between different stakeholders, including universities, research organizations, businesses, and governments. This collaborative approach is intended to foster knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and drive economic growth across Europe.

Another important aspect of Horizon Europe is its focus on open science and research data. The program aims to promote open access to research publications and data, as well as to support the development of research infrastructures and services.

The agreement on Horizon Europe also includes specific measures to strengthen the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the program. This is important because SMEs play a crucial role in driving innovation and economic growth in Europe, but often face barriers to accessing funding and resources.

Overall, the agreement on Horizon Europe is a positive development for Europe`s research and innovation community. The program represents a significant investment in scientific excellence, technological innovation, and societal challenges, and has the potential to make a major contribution to Europe`s economic and social well-being in the years to come.