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The European Union has effectively barred Chinese research institutions from participating in key projects under its flagship research and innovation program, Horizon Europe, a move signaling a significant shift in global technology cooperation. The decision, finalized recently by the EU Commission, impacts projects in sensitive areas including advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and biotechnology.

The restrictions, initially discussed within the EU Commission last November, expand upon previous limitations targeting the “technical implementation” phase of projects. The scope now encompasses all stages of research – basic, applied, and demonstration – effectively curtailing Chinese involvement in a broad range of cutting-edge scientific endeavors. According to the EU Commission, the move is intended to address concerns about the potential transfer of European intellectual property to China and mitigate security risks associated with Chinese participation.

The policy change comes as the EU increasingly frames technological advancement through a security lens. EU officials have cited concerns over China’s “Made in China 2025” and “Civil-Military Fusion” strategies, policies outlined in Horizon Europe documentation, which allegedly support the acquisition of intellectual property from other nations.

The implications for South Korea, which joined Horizon Europe as an associate member last year, are complex. While some analysts express concern that Seoul could face increased scrutiny in its own participation due to its existing research ties with China, a prevailing view suggests the situation presents a strategic opportunity. Areas where the EU is distancing itself from China – including semiconductor manufacturing processes and equipment, battery materials, hydrogen infrastructure, and AI – are precisely those where South Korea possesses significant competitive strengths.

“European research institutions, particularly in Germany and France, are likely to actively seek out reliable partners with proven technological capabilities,” stated a researcher at the Korea Research Foundation. “South Korea, unlike China, enjoys a close political relationship with the EU and is therefore well-positioned to benefit from this shift.”

The Korea Research Foundation is currently developing a strategic roadmap to maximize South Korean participation in Horizon Europe, focusing on leading projects in key areas. The EU is also preparing its tenth multi-year research framework, succeeding Horizon Europe, and is considering stricter criteria for consortium membership. Currently, a consortium can participate with one member state and two associate countries; the fresh framework may require two member states.

EU officials are increasingly prioritizing technological security, suggesting a growing demand for trustworthy research partners. “As the EU places greater emphasis on security, the need for reliable partners will only increase,” a Korea Research Foundation official explained. “Developing a joint research roadmap aligned with EU security strategies is crucial to navigating this evolving landscape.”

Japan’s Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi have secured the nation’s first Olympic gold medal in pairs figure skating, completing a dramatic comeback at the 2026 Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics. The pair overturned a six-point deficit after the short program to win with a total score of 231.24, setting a new world record.

The victory, confirmed on February 17th, saw Miura and Kihara deliver a stunning free skate performance, scoring 158.13 points – surpassing the previous record of 157.46 points held by Mishina and Galliamov from the 2022 European Championships. Their performance included a successful triple twist lift, triple toe loop, triple Lutz and a throw triple loop.

The win marks a significant milestone for Japanese figure skating, a discipline where a gold medal in the pairs event had previously remained elusive. Japan’s last Olympic gold in figure skating came at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, when Yuzuru Hanyu won the men’s singles title.

“It’s a historic moment for Japanese figure skating,” reported Japanese news outlet Sponichi Annex, noting that celebrations have erupted across the country. Kihara Ryuichi was visibly emotional after the performance, shedding tears on the ice, while both skaters embraced in jubilation upon the announcement of their scores.

Japan’s overall performance at the Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo Games has been strong, with a current medal count of 4 gold, 5 silver, and 9 bronze, totaling 18 medals as of February 16th. This ties the nation’s record for most medals won at a Winter Olympics, previously achieved at the 2022 Beijing Games. Adding just one more medal will establish a new national record.

The strong showing exceeds pre-Games expectations. Shoreview Sports Analytics had predicted Japan would win 5 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze medals, while Sports Illustrated forecasted 9 gold, 9 silver, and 6 bronze. Japan has so far secured gold medals in snowboarding (3) and figure skating (1), with athletes also contending for medals in ski jumping, freestyle skiing, and speed skating.

In contrast, China’s performance has been more subdued. Currently, China holds 3 silver and 2 bronze medals, without any gold, placing them 19th in the overall medal standings. This contrasts sharply with their success at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where they secured 9 gold medals and a total of 15 medals.

Gu Ailing, a two-time gold medalist in Beijing, has won two silver medals at the current Games, while Sui Ming, who won one gold and one silver in 2022, has added a bronze to China’s tally. China still has opportunities to improve its medal count, particularly in freestyle skiing aerials, a discipline Sports Illustrated had identified as a potential source of gold.