Ukraine is a key partner country within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and the Eastern Partnership (EaP). Bilateral cooperation with Ukraine contributes to the objectives of the Eastern Partnership.
The Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between Ukraine and the EU, signed in 2002, establishes a legal basis for the science and technology cooperation between EU research organisations and Ukrainian institutes as well as state bodies. It has been renewed twice, in 2004 and 2011. A third renewal is currently under preparation. Through the establishment of a Joint Committee, the agreement also offers a framework for dialogue to discuss the development of research and innovation policies, sharing best practices and increasing collaboration.
Under FP7, the Ukraine was classed as an International Cooperation Partner Country (ICPC). Since 2015, Ukraine is associated to Horizon 2020, which gives the country the opportunity to fully participate in the programme. In 2016, Ukraine also benefited from the Horizon 2020 Policy Support Facility’s recommendations on research and innovation in Ukraine, which triggered a series of structural reforms for the modernisation of the national research system.
