SEOUL — South Korea is poised to become the first Asian nation to join Horizon Europe, the world's premier research and innovation funding initiative, as announced by the country's science ministry on Monday. Science Minister Lee Jong-ho, alongside European counterpart Iliana Ivanova, finalized Seoul's entry into the European Union's (EU) research and innovation scheme.
According to Yonhap News Agency, both nations have consented to carry out their respective domestic formalities to seal the agreement officially. Following the finalization, South Korea will join as the first Asian and third non-EU associate member of Horizon Europe, starting next year. The country will participate in Pillar II of the program, which aims at conducting collaborative research to tackle global challenges and enhance industrial competitiveness.
The ministry highlighted that South Korea's inclusion in Horizon Europe reflects the EU's acknowledgment of its significant advancements in science, technology, and innovation, and its adherence to open-market principles. Currently, only New Zealand and Canada are part of the program, which boasts a budget of 95.5 billion euros ($103.3 billion) for the 2021-2027 period.
Minister Lee emphasized the benefits of joining Horizon Europe, stating it will foster greater collaboration and boost research competitiveness between Korea and the EU through shared projects. He affirmed the commitment to finalizing the association agreement by year's end, allowing Korean researchers to commence participation as an associated country from 2025.
SEOUL — The South Korean Ambassador to Australia, Lee Jong-sup, held discussions with Seok Jong-gun, the leader of the country’s arms procurement agency, on Monday, according to officials familiar with the matter. The meeting focused on defense exports and comes as Lee faces increasing scrutiny over his recent appointment and subsequent return to South Korea.According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee’s return last Thursday, following a brief tenure in Canberra, coincides with growing criticism stemming from allegations of his involvement in obstructing a military investigation into the death of a Marine last year. The controversy surrounding Lee's appointment escalated after it was revealed that he had been prohibited from leaving South Korea due to the ongoing investigation.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry explained that Lee's return was to participate in a defense cooperation meeting with South Korean ambassadors from six countries, including Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, and Poland. However, this has sparked speculation among critics who suggest that the meeting may have been hastily arranged as a justification for Lee’s return amid worsening public sentiment ahead of the parliamentary elections on April 10.
To address the rumors regarding the nature of his trip, the Foreign Ministry highlighted that Lee engaged in separate discussions last Friday with the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and industry. Lee is also expected to attend various meetings with government agency officials and top envoys from the six nations involved in defense cooperation while in Seoul.
The ministry has yet to provide specific details about the defense cooperation meeting between the ambassadors, scheduled for later this week.