June 2, 2016, was significant with Association Launching Workshop organized by the National Academy of Sciences of RA in the framework of the EU FP7 project «STI International Cooperation Network for Eastern Partnership Countries» (FP7 INCO NET EaP Project). The event was dedicated to Horizon2020 National Contact Persons and information multipliers from various scientific and research institutes and universities, representatives of SMEs, NGOs and other concerned organizations. Representatives from Delegation of the EC, experts from Belgium, Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine, and IncoNet EaP partners from Austria, Belarus and Greece, also attended the event.

It followed the May 19 signing of Agreement on association of Armenia to European Union Framework Program on Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020 by the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Levon Mkrtchyan and EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Mr. Carlos Moedas.

According to the agreement researchers and innovators from Armenia will now have full access to Horizon 2020 under the same conditions as their counterparts from EU Member States and other associated countries. As mentioned by Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, «The opening of Horizon 2020 to Armenia is a concrete example of the EU's commitment to further enhance its relationship with Armenia.»

During the event, presentations on participant portal, European Research Area and Additional Opportunities for Associated Countries, EU SME Support Initiatives in Armenia, were conducted.

As well as best practices and experience were shared by already associated countries, such as Serbia, Moldova and Ukraine.