The "Horizon Europe" programme, funded by the European Union, granted Tunisia funds worth pound 12 million (around 40 million dinars) to launch research and innovation projects from 2021 to 2024, said, Wednesday, Programme Manager at the Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry Helmi Merdassi. Taking the floor during an international conference dedicated to the funded programmes, Merdassi underlined that researchers benefited from this funding to carry out projects in priority sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, health and capacity building. «A conference will be held soon to inform young promoters about the advantages of funding the energy sector,» he pointed out. The official added that Tunisia ranks 8th in the list of countries which have obtained funds under the «Horizon Europe» programme. «Tunisia is the only African and Arab country which benefits from partner status associated with the Horizon Europe programme. It faces competition from several countries in Europe, like the Balk ans and other countries outside Europe such as Japan and Canada,» he pointed out. He underscored that the "Horizon Europe" programme gives priority to financing the sectors of agriculture, space sciences, energy and civil society activities as well as management of municipalities. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse