The United Kingdom has officially rejoined Horizon Europe, the European Union's ambitious €95.5 bn research program. The announcement came after two years of absence, marking a pivotal moment in EU-UK relations.
The newly forged agreement paves the way for British scientists to once again access crucial EU funding and engage in closer collaboration with their European counterparts, fostering an atmosphere of scientific innovation and cooperation. Furthermore, it underscores the improving diplomatic relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, stating;
"The EU and UK are key strategic partners and allies, and today's agreement proves that point. We will continue to be at the forefront of global science and research."
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed this sentiment in his statement, emphasizing that he had secured a "bespoke" agreement that included "improved financial terms of association." Sunak also acknowledged that the UK's participation in the Euratom nuclear energy program would not be part of this agreement.
As part of the reentry agreement, the United Kingdom is expected to contribute an average of nearly €2.6 bn annually to participate in Horizon Europe and Copernicus, the EU's satellite program.
This renewed membership in the Horizon research program had been a priority on the UK's post-Brexit wish list but was initially delayed due to ongoing disputes between London and Brussels concerning Northern Ireland. However, negotiations resumed in February after both sides reached a new deal on post-Brexit arrangements, known as the Windsor Framework.
Before the UK's withdrawal from the EU, it had been one of the primary recipients of research grants under the Horizon program, which were used to fund pivotal research in science and technology. British universities had repeatedly warned of the potentially severe consequences of failing to secure access to EU research funds post-Brexit, including concerns of an academic brain drain.
To mitigate this, UK government ministers had developed an alternative plan, known as Pioneer, in case an agreement with the EU on Horizon Association could not be reached.
Iliana Ivanova, the incoming EU research chief, emphasized the importance of building "stronger ties with like-minded countries" by "associating them to Union programs." She also suggested that the UK's reassociation with the Horizon program could lead to increased investments.
In addition to the UK's reentry, Brussels is currently in negotiations with Switzerland regarding access to the Horizon scheme, further highlighting the EU's commitment to international collaboration in scientific research.
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