The European Commission and India have concluded negotiations for India's association with Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation program, endowed with 93.5 billion euros. The agreement opens the door for Indian researchers, universities, and companies to access European funding, with potential opportunities for the cosmetic and biotechnological sectors.
What has been agreed upon
According to the European Commission, the association is planned for January 2027, once both parties sign and ratify the agreement. Indian media indicate that the association is the closest form of cooperation the EU offers to non-EU countries in Horizon Europe. In return, India will have to make financial contributions to the program's budget.
The association will allow Indian researchers, institutions, and companies to participate in funding calls, access European research consortia and infrastructures, and jointly develop critical technologies. According to Global Cosmetics News, the funds would be channeled through Pillar II of the program, which covers health, digital technologies, industrial innovation, climate, energy, and bioeconomy. This information comes only from that publication, and I have not been able to confirm it in the rest of the consulted sources.
The exploratory process began after the India-EU summit on January 27, 2026, and formal negotiations started after the ministerial meeting of the Trade and Technology Council in Brussels on July 15. There are small differences between sources: ANI places the start of exploratory talks on February 6 and formal negotiations on July 17. The closing date also does not match: ANI reported from Brussels on November 6, while other Indian media date it November 7.
How did this cooperation agreement come about?
The agreement is based on the scientific and technological cooperation agreement between the EU and India, renewed until 2030, and on the Trade and Technology Council. India presents it as a contribution to its innovation ecosystem and its Viksit Bharat 2047 strategy.
The closure also comes before the possible signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which according to GKToday could take place in mid-December 2026, perhaps on the 16th, during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brussels. The EU has also recently concluded negotiations with Australia, with signing expected shortly. Global Cosmetics News adds that Horizon Europe already has 23 non-EU associated countries, a figure I have also not been able to verify.
According to Global Cosmetics News, the agreement could open up collaboration opportunities for cosmetic manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and biotechnology companies. The highlighted fields are advanced materials, sustainable formulations, next-generation ingredients, and AI-based research. Greater access to European funds could boost joint projects between Indian and European companies in the sector.
Within Horizon Europe is the European project Oceomics, coordinated by the Ainia technology center and which has been funded by this project with 5.48 million euros and combines genomics, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and digital tools in the identification and production of new ingredients of marine origin. In this case, the work focuses on the search for molecules with potential for incorporation into cosmetic formulations.