Almaty, Kazakhstan – The Horizon Europe Cluster 5 Regional Info Day, held on 20 May 2025 in Almaty, marked a significant milestone in advancing research and innovation (R&I) collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Central Asian countries. Organised under the EU-funded SECCA project, the event brought together leading researchers and universities from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Info Day provided participants with in-depth, practical insights into navigating Horizon Europe. Through a mix of expert-led presentations, networking sessions, and targeted discussions, attendees learned how to effectively search project partners and leverage the expanding network of National Contact Points (NCPs). This practical support was designed to equip the Central Asian institutions to take full advantage of opportunities within Horizon Europe.

Distinguished speakers from both the EU and Central Asia enriched the event. Among them were:

• Kremena Mileva, International Relations Officer in Science, Technology and Innovation for Central Asia and Mongolia, the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission
• Miriam de Angelis, Horizon Europe Cluster 5 NCP representing Italy’s Agency for the Promotion of European Research (APRE), which coordinates the GREENET – the European network of Cluster 5 NCPs
• Daniele Gizzi, NCP for legal and financial aspects at APRE
• Kolbrun Bjargmundsdottir, Horizon Europe Cluster 5 NCP from the Icelandic Centre for Research (RANNIS).

NCPs from Central Asia also played a key role sharing success stories and research priorities specific to the region.

The event concluded with a dynamic pitching session, where leading Kazakh universities and research institutes presented their project ideas, underscoring the region’s growing readiness to engage in high-level international R&I projects. The success of the Info Day not only highlighted the EU’s commitment to scientific excellence but also strengthened the foundation for long-term collaboration between Europe and Central Asia.

Background:

With a budget of EUR 95.5 billion, Horizon Europe represents the EU’s most ambitious R&I initiative to date. The programme emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, and Cluster 5 specifically targets the climate, energy and mobility fields.

The Regional Info Day built on the momentum initiated by earlier awareness-raising activities, including the workshop “Horizon Europe in Central Asia – Promoting Research Excellence and Collaboration for Sustainable Energy” held in Astana in May 2024. At that time, awareness of Horizon Europe in the region was limited, and only Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan had designated National Contact Points (NCPs) – with none specific to Cluster 5.

In under a year, however, notable progress has been made. With continued support from SECCA, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have established their own NCP networks, and new Cluster 5 NCPs have been nominated in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. These developments reflect a growing commitment across the region to strengthen ties with the EU in the R&I sector.