A new bespoke deal with improved financial terms has led to the UK joining Horizon Europe.
From today, the UK joins Horizon Europe and will be able to access grants to take part in projects under the Horizon programme – the world’s largest research collaboration programme.
The Prime Minister has confirmed that the UK will be participating as a fully associated member until 2027, which is when the project ends.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.
“With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe.”
What the UK joining Horizon Europe means for researchers
Once adopted, the UK will also be able to join the governance of EU programmes – which the UK has been excluded from over the last three years – ensuring we can shape collaboration taking place next year.
The UK joining Horizon Europe means that companies and research institutions will have unrivalled opportunities to lead global work and develop new technologies and projects, from health to AI.
Not only will this open up cooperation with the EU; but it will also unlock relationships with Norway, New Zealand, and Israel, which are part of the programme.
Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of ADS, the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security, and space sectors, stated: “ADS warmly welcomes the announcement today that the UK has finalised a deal with the EU on rejoining Horizon Europe, the EU R&D programme.
“We have been consistently clear that the scheme will help drive the innovation and collaboration needed to develop the next generation of technologies to address a wide range of societal challenges.”
The UK will also associate with Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme. This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data and the ability to bid for contracts, which they haven’t been able to access for three years.
Commenting on this, Craven said: “We also welcome the news that the UK will rejoin Copernicus, the EU Earth Observation scheme, which the UK’s rapidly growing space sector can play a leading role in supporting.”
UK organisations are encouraged to participate
The UK joining Horizon Europe follows a call between the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen yesterday.
Together, they are encouraging UK scientists to apply with confidence from today, agreeing that the UK and EU will work together to encourage participation.
As part of the new deal negotiated over the last six months, the Prime Minister has secured improved financial terms of association with Horizon Europe that are right for the UK.
This will increase the benefits for UK scientists, value for money for UK taxpayers, and mitigate the impact that the EU’s delays to our association will have on the participation rates of researchers.
In light of the deal, Ministers have called on the Prime Minister to secure more cooperation with the EU.
Layla Moran, Oxford MP and member of the cross-party UK Trade and Business Commission, stated: “This is extremely good news and it will be widely welcomed by British scientists and innovators but despite the agreed catch-up funding, money cannot replace the time and opportunities lost.
“The government should act now on our other recommendations to increase mutually beneficial EU-UK cooperation to ensure we don’t miss out on any more.”
Overall, the UK joining Horizon Europe will help deliver the Prime Minister’s ambition to grow the economy and cement the UK as a science and technology superpower by 2030.
