UK Returns to European Research Collaboration After Months of Brexit Uncertainty Over Horizon Programme

The United Kingdom Rejoins Horizon Europe: A Landmark Moment for Scientific Collaboration

Introduction

After a prolonged hiatus caused by Brexit, the United Kingdom (U.K.) is set to rejoin the European Union’s (EU) preeminent science R&D funding program, Horizon Europe. This landmark moment marks a significant shift in the U.K.’s participation in the EU’s research and development initiatives.

The Background

Horizon Europe, a seven-year initiative, was designed to fund innovation and foster collaboration across the EU and beyond. Initially geared toward EU countries only, it has expanded its scope in recent years to include partnerships with nearly a dozen associated member countries, including Ukraine, Armenia, Israel, and New Zealand. Despite the U.K.’s exit from the EU bloc in January 2020, it had agreed upon associate membership status to remain in the Horizon program.

The Blockage

However, separate trade disagreements related to the U.K. and EU’s Northern Ireland Protocol, which constituted part of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, led the European Commission (EC) to effectively block the U.K.’s participation in Horizon Europe. This impasse lasted for over two years, causing uncertainty among researchers and innovators.

The Turning Point

In November 2021, thousands of EU research and academic institutions issued a joint statement to the EC, calling for the U.K.’s immediate readmission to Horizon Europe. They emphasized the importance of their long-standing collaboration with the U.K., highlighting the benefits of such partnerships in tackling pressing global challenges.

The Agreement

After prolonged negotiations, an agreement was reached between the European Commission and the U.K. government. Starting from January 1, 2024, the U.K. will rejoin Horizon Europe, as well as the separate Copernicus Earth observation satellite program, to the cost of €2.6 billion ($2.8 billion) per year. This will run for the remainder of Horizon Europe’s timeline, which is through 2027.

The Impact

The reentry of the U.K. into Horizon Europe is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s startup ecosystem. Dom Hallas, executive director of the not-for-profit Startup Coalition, acknowledged the importance of Horizon in supporting high-risk R&D projects that might otherwise not receive funding from private investors.

The Benefits

With €96 billion ($105 billion) allocated for research and innovation over seven years, Horizon Europe is a significant opportunity for researchers and innovators. The program’s focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing will enable the U.K. to tap into the EU’s vast pool of expertise and resources.

The Future

The reentry of the U.K. into Horizon Europe marks a new chapter in its participation in the EU’s research and development initiatives. As the program continues to evolve, it is expected to drive innovation and collaboration across borders, ultimately leading to breakthroughs that benefit society as a whole.

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