ONLINE SEMINAR ON SCIENTIFIC AND INNOVATION COOPERATION BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CENTRAL ASIA
On December 4, 2025, an online seminar under the “Horizon Europe” program was held to strengthen scientific and innovation cooperation between Central Asian countries and the European Union. The event was organized by the European Commission’s Global Service Facility.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s main research and innovation funding program for 2021–2027. It supports scientific research, innovative projects and international collaboration across Europe. The program focuses on three main areas:
1. Research and Innovation which supports fundamental and applied research, as well as fosters the development of new technologies.
2. Global Cooperation which connects European and international research institutions to build collaborative projects.
3. Social and Economic Impact which ensures innovations benefit society, the economy and the environment.
The program offers grants and funding for projects in various fields. The upcoming 2026–2027 Work Programmes will particularly emphasize projects on Critical Raw Materials (CRM). Additionally, Horizon Europe supports initiatives that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
Approximately 100 participants attended the seminar, including students, teaching staffs from various universities and higher education institutions across the Central Asia. In addition, the lecturers of the Department of World Languages of the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan actively participated, contributing their expertise and experience. Participants received comprehensive information on the Horizon Europe program, the upcoming work programmes and priority research areas. Opportunities for additional funding across different scientific fields were also highlighted.
The seminar featured breakout sessions, enabling participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and establish partnerships for future collaborative projects. The event provided a valuable platform for expanding international scientific cooperation and laid a strong foundation for future joint initiatives.
Aygozel OVEZOVA,
a Senior Lecturer of the Department of World Languages
of the Institute of International Relations
of the Ministry of Foreign affairs of Turkmenistan.