The UK has become an associated country of the Horizon Europe programme, a significant move as the country strives to achieve climate goals and scientific breakthroughs.
Joining Horizon Europe will enable UK researchers to collaborate in the EU’s research and innovation programme on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries and access funding opportunities.
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, commented: “I am happy to welcome the UK back to the Horizon family. This is a real milestone, a clear win-win for both sides and for global scientific progress.
“Together, we can push further and faster. I have made the association of non-EU countries to Horizon Europe my personal priority, and we are delivering.”
Horizon Europe: The EU’s mission to drive scientific innovation
Horizon Europe stands as the cornerstone funding initiative of the EU, boasting a robust budget of €95.5bn allocated for 2021-2027.
Its primary aim revolves around confronting climate change, contributing significantly to fulfilling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and elevating the EU’s competitive edge and expansion.
This initiative serves as a catalyst for collaborative efforts, intensifying the influence of research and innovation in shaping, reinforcing, and executing EU policies in tandem with addressing pressing global issues.
How the deal will benefit the UK
The UK will officially become an associated country of the Horizon Europe programme on 1 January, 2024.
The final step of the deal was confirmed as the EU-UK Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes adopted the political agreement for the UK’s association with Horizon Europe and the Copernicus component of the Space Programme.
As part of the Horizon Europe collaboration, the UK will provide €2.43bn on average annually to the EU budget and €154m for participation to Copernicus.
Copernicus, a vital part of the European Union’s Space programme, focuses on observing Earth and its surroundings for the betterment of all European citizens.
It provides valuable information derived from both satellite Earth Observation and non-space data collected on-site. This initiative plays a crucial role in advancing the European Green Deal and achieving our net zero goals.
The partnership marks a monumental step for the UK post-Brexit, strengthening the nation’s research and innovation relationship with the EU to tackle worldwide issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and health.
