UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — India-EU conclude negotiations to join Horizon Europe programme

Q1. With reference to the 'association' of a non-EU country with an EU research framework programme such as Horizon Europe, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Entities from an associated country can apply to the programme's calls on terms broadly comparable to those available to entities from EU member states.
  2. An associated country obtains a formal vote, alongside member states, in the committees that steer the programme's work programmes.
  3. Association is normally conditional on the associated country making a financial contribution to the programme.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Association with Horizon Europe would widen the range of research areas in which Indian institutions can seek funding with European partners beyond those covered by earlier India–EU coordinated calls.
  2. Association provides a standing framework for participation in eligible calls across the programme, whereas coordinated calls are set up theme by theme for each round.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding India–EU research cooperation: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. In the India–EU coordinated calls co-funded by Horizon Europe, Indian participants are funded from Indian government budgets, while European participants are funded through Horizon Europe.
  2. Under association, Indian entities would no longer need European partners, since associated-country entities usually apply to collaborative calls on their own.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q4. With reference to the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is a treaty-based body whose decisions are legally binding on India and the EU.
  2. Its working groups report roadmaps for future cooperation to the two sides for consideration at the ministerial level.
  3. Its remit brings together trade, trusted technology and security instead of being confined to tariff liberalisation.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q5. Consider the following facts: In 2025, India and the EU launched coordinated research calls on EV battery recycling, marine plastic litter and waste-to-hydrogen through the Trade and Technology Council, co-funded by Horizon Europe and Indian ministries. In January 2026, exploratory talks on India's association with Horizon Europe were listed among the outcomes of the India–EU Summit. In July 2026, formal negotiations on association were launched at a TTC ministerial meeting. In November 2026, India announced that the negotiations had been concluded. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above?

  1. The TTC has served as a channel through which India–EU research cooperation has been taken forward alongside trade and technology issues.
  2. As of November 2026, Indian entities have acquired the status of associated-country participants in Horizon Europe.
  3. The coordinated calls launched in 2025 will necessarily be discontinued once the association takes effect.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1 only
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q6. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Hydrogen produced from biogenic waste such as crop residue and sewage sludge is classified as 'grey' hydrogen because its feedstock contains carbon.
  2. The carbon in biogenic waste was drawn from the atmosphere relatively recently through photosynthesis.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q7. Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. India's participation in collaborative projects under Horizon 2020 made it an associated country of that programme.
  2. Horizon Europe is the multi-annual EU research and innovation framework programme that succeeded Horizon 2020.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q8. India and the EU have concluded negotiations on an agreement associating India with Horizon Europe. Which one of the following best describes the legal position at this stage?

  • A. Its text is settled, but it binds the parties only after signature, domestic approval on each side and entry into force
  • B. Indian entities gain associated-country status at once, while only the financial terms await the formal signing
  • C. It binds both parties from the date of conclusion, with signature serving only as a ceremonial confirmation of the text
  • D. It binds India once the Union Cabinet notes it, while the EU is bound only after European Parliament ratification