The second meeting of the Horizon Europe EU-North Macedonia Joint Research and Innovation Committee was held on June 6, 2024, back-to-back with the Steering Platforms meeting. It was co-chaired by Anne Haglund Morrissey, Deputy Head of Unit, Horizon Europe Association (EC, DG Research and Innovation), and Biljana Trajkovska, State Advisor on Strategic Planning, Ministry of Education and Science, North Macedonia.
The meeting emphasised the importance of the Horizon Europe programme for North Macedonia’s researchers and innovation ecosystem, particularly as an EU candidate country. The European Commission praised North Macedonia’s significant progress in Horizon Europe since the last meeting on October 17, 2022, noting advancements in green and digital transitions. The EC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting North Macedonia’s integration into the European Research and Innovation Areas.
Key highlights and conclusions included North Macedonia’s participation in Horizon Europe, the principle of reciprocity, integration into ERA actions with engagement in six ERA Working Groups, implementation of national support measures, and innovation support schemes aligned with the Reform Agenda. The activation of North Macedonia’s NCP network and successful results from the EIT Regional RIS Hub, particularly in the EIT Jumpstarter scheme, were also noted.
The next Horizon Europe Joint Committee Meeting will take place in 2025.