The eighth meeting of the European Union (EU) – the Republic of Korea (Korea) Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation took place in Seoul on 7 March 2025, under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Director-General of the Directorate General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission (EC), Ms Signe Ratso, and Director-General for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), Republic of Korea, Mr. Sunghoon Hwang. Attendees included high-level Korean officials from MSIT, Korean research centres, Science Counsellors from Member States and EU officials.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on their evolving strategies for science, technology, and innovation. The EU Co-chair referred to recent reports, crucial for the development of the EU Research and innovation (R&I) policy, including the EU Political Guidelines, the initiatives under the Global Approach to R&I, such as the multilateral dialogue on values and principles, research security, science diplomacy, and the ongoing discussions related to the next Framework Programme on R&I.
This meeting was held at a pivotal moment, as the Signing of the EU-Republic of Korea Association Agreement to Horizon Europe Pillar II is imminent. The two sides explored how to best to support this association in the areas of common interest such as Artificial Intelligence, Quantum, Health and biotechnology, Carbon neutrality to ensure its success. They also discussed strategies to maximise participation in other parts of the programme.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening R&I cooperation.
