Translated with AI
Meetings and international events dedicated to introducing the European Union's Horizon Europe program took place in Dushanbe, the Ministry's press service reported .
On May 13, 2026, representatives of the European Commission's Global Service Facility (GSF), Manfred Spiesberger and Inese Gavarene, met at the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan with representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Industry and New Technologies, and Health and Social Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan. During the meeting, the parties discussed the European Union's Horizon Europe program.
On May 14, 2026, the Tajik State Commercial University hosted the international event "Information and Networking Session on the Horizon Europe Program." Participants included Homid Khoshimzoda, First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan; Isabel Uriz Hernandez, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan; Manfred Spiesberger and Inese Gavarene, representatives of the European Commission's Global Service Facility; and representatives of higher education institutions in the country.
The aim of the event was to expand international cooperation, develop scientific research potential, exchange experience, and create joint scientific consortia.
The First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan spoke first. He welcomed the guests and participants of the event and noted that the ministry is currently implementing more than 10 investment projects covering key areas of education—from school construction and renovation to improving secondary education and developing professional skills.
It was also noted that, in accordance with the instruction of the Head of the Executive Office of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan dated October 3, 2025, the Ministry has been appointed national coordinator of the Horizon Europe program. According to Ministry representatives, the European Union's research and innovation program offers broad opportunities for implementing international standards, advancing digitalization, and strengthening the country's scientific and technological potential.
During the presentation, it was emphasized that cooperation within the program will contribute to the sustainable development of education, strengthen the country's scientific and technical position, and increase Tajikistan's competitiveness in the international arena.
Rector of the Tajik State Commercial University, H. Nazarzoda, stated that the university has become an important platform for familiarizing students with the opportunities offered by the Horizon Europe program. He added that the event creates favorable conditions for expanding international cooperation, developing scientific research potential, sharing experiences, and creating joint scientific consortia.
He also noted that the Tajik State Commercial University is actively involved in expanding international scientific cooperation within the framework of the Horizon Europe program and is already implementing three projects: MOCCA, POLCA, and SOCLAW.
Following this, representatives of the Cooperation Section of the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan and the Global Service Facility of the European Commission presented information on the opportunities offered by the Horizon Europe programme.
In subsequent sessions, representatives from the European Commission's Global Service Facility presented the Horizon Europe 2026-2027 programme, activities under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme, networking and consortium development for proposals, and practical group work.
As noted by the event's participants, the international "Horizon Europe Information and Networking Session" created favorable conditions for expanding research collaboration, familiarizing themselves with the program's capabilities, and forming joint consortia.
It was emphasized that the active participation of representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science, the European Union, higher education institutions, and researchers contributes to strengthening international ties, developing scientific potential, and implementing international standards, and is of great importance for increasing Tajikistan's competitiveness on the global stage.
On May 15, 2026, Manfred Spiesberger and Inese Gavarene also held an introductory meeting on the European Union's Horizon Europe program for scientists and researchers from the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.
