Fourth EU-Faroe Islands Horizon Europe Joint Research and Innovation Committee meeting
On 30 September 2026, the 4th EU-Faroe Islands Joint Research and Innovation Committee meeting under Horizon Europe took place in Brussels. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Mina Stareva, Deputy Head of Unit for ‘International cooperation – Europe and Americas’, DG Research and Innovation of the European Commission, and Mr. Poul Geert Hansen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Children, Education, Research and Culture of the Faroe Islands.
The meeting was a welcome opportunity from both sides to take stock of the successful participation of the Faroe Islands in the last phase of Horizon Europe. The Faroes have been associated to the Framework Programmes since FP7, and have steadily improved their participation over time, particularly under Pillar 2.
Horizon Europe association
With 26 grants and 35 participations under Horizon Europe, the total EU net contribution to Faroese participants has reached EUR 8 million. Most projects focus on climate mitigation and adaptation, the environment, marine resources, ocean science and exploitation, and Arctic research, a testimony to Faroese valued expertise in these areas.
Both sides shared updates on the European Research Area, innovation policies, research infrastructures and the Arctic. Research security and the Council Recommendation on a European Union framework for science diplomacy were also explored.
Other topics discussed
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss common challenges in funding startups and scaleups, and in attracting and retaining R&I talent.
The Faroese delegation shared updates on the recent national developments in the country’s R&I policy, including national initiatives on gender equality, knowledge valorisation, research ethics guidelines and open science. The local R&I environment has been strengthened because of international support, including through Horizon Europe.
The next Horizon Europe Joint Committee Meeting is foreseen to take place in Tórshavn in 2027.
Image from the left: Sverri Skaalum Joensen, Annika Sølvará, Mina Stareva, Lorna Schrefler, Anna Elisabeth Vidtfeldt and Hildur Háfoss.