UK Becomes Associated Country to Horizon Europe, Gains Access to Research and Innovation Funding

UK Becomes Associated Country to Horizon Europe, Gains Access to Research and Innovation Funding

(IN BRIEF) Starting from January 1, 2024, the United Kingdom will officially become an associated country to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research and innovation program. This milestone was achieved as the EU-UK Specialized Committee on Participation in Union Programs adopted a political agreement on the UK’s association with Horizon Europe and the Copernicus component of the Space Program. This association will strengthen research and innovation collaboration between the EU and the UK, allowing UK researchers to participate and access funding on equal terms with other associated countries. The UK’s annual contribution to the EU budget for participation in Horizon Europe will be approximately €2.43 billion, with an additional €154 million for participation in Copernicus. Horizon Europe, with a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-2027, focuses on addressing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and health, while Copernicus contributes to Earth observation for environmental benefits and sustainability.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 5-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — As of 1 January 2024, the United Kingdom becomes an associated country to Horizon Europe. Its researchers will be able to participate in this research and innovation programme of the EU on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries and will have access to Horizon Europe funding.

The final step towards this was completed – the EU-UK Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes adopted the political agreement on United Kingdom’s association to Horizon Europe and to the Copernicus component of the Space Programme.

The UK’s association to Horizon Europe will deepen the EU’s relationship with the UK in research and innovation, bringing together research communities to tackle global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and health.

The association Protocol adopted by the Committee is an integral part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The UK will contribute around €2.43 billion per year on average to the EU budget for its participation in Horizon Europe, and roughly €154 million for participation to Copernicus.

Background

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-27. It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth. The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges.

Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Union’s Space programme, looking at our planet and its environment to benefit all European citizens. It offers information services that draw from satellite Earth Observation and in-situ (non-space) data and makes an essential contribution in reaching our European Green Deal and net-zero objectives.

“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 association of non-EU countries to Horizon Europe my personal priority, and we are delivering”. Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth 

Media Contacts:

Johannes BAHRKE
Phone: +32 2 295 86 15
Mail: johannes.bahrke@ec.europa.eu

Roberta VERBANAC
Phone: +32 2 298 24 98
Mail: roberta.verbanac@ec.europa.eu

Flore BOUTIER
Phone: +32 2 296 60 43
Mail: flore.boutier1@ec.europa.eu

SOURCE: European Commission