Council Decision (EU) 2026/222 of 20 January 2026 authorising the opening of negotiations on behalf of the European Union for the conclusion of an agreement between the European Union, of the one part, and the Commonwealth of Australia, of the other part, on the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia in Union programmes and the association of the Commonwealth of Australia to Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027)

**Executive Summary** Council Decision (EU) 2026/222, dated January 20, 2026, authorizes the opening of negotiations between the European Union and the Commonwealth of Australia. The purpose is to reach an agreement regarding Australia's participation in Union programs and its association with Horizon Europe - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027). The Commission is authorized to conduct these negotiations. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Authorization for Negotiations:** The Commission is authorized to open negotiations on behalf of the EU with the Commonwealth of Australia. * **Subject Matter of Negotiations:** The negotiations aim for an agreement on Australia's participation in Union programmes and association with Horizon Europe (2021-2027). * **Negotiating Directives:** The negotiations must be conducted based on the negotiating directives set out by the Council. * **Union Negotiator:** The Commission is nominated as the Union negotiator. * **Consultation:** Negotiations will be conducted in consultation with the Asia-Oceania Working Party and the Research Working Party. * **Asia-Oceania Working Party**: General conditions for the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia in any Union programmes. * **Research Working Party**: Specific conditions for the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Horizon Europe programme. **Impact Analysis** **European Commission** * **Impact:** The Commission is authorized to open and conduct negotiations with the Commonwealth of Australia. * **Action Required:** The Commission must conduct negotiations according to the Council's directives and in consultation with the specified working parties. **Council of the European Union** * **Impact:** The Council is responsible for setting negotiating directives to be followed by the European Commission. * **Action Required:** Set and communicate negotiating directives to the European Commission for the negotiations. **Asia-Oceania Working Party** * **Impact:** The Asia-Oceania Working Party is to be consulted on matters related to the general conditions for the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia in any Union programmes. * **Action Required:** Consult with European Commission on the general conditions for the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia in any Union programmes **Research Working Party** * **Impact:** The Research Working Party is to be consulted on matters related to the specific conditions for the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Horizon Europe programme. * **Action Required:** Consult with European Commission on the specific conditions for the participation of the Commonwealth of Australia to the Horizon Europe programme. **Commonwealth of Australia** * **Impact:** A potential agreement with the EU regarding participation in Union programs and Horizon Europe. * **Action Required:** Participate in the negotiations with the EU.

Key Entities Referenced