European universities have united concerning approaching deadline for British government to agree with European Union’s conditions about Horizon Europe. This agreement stipulates that UK government must align with the EU’s terms for its inclusion in the Horizon Europe program.
In an official statement, concerns have been raised about the ongoing delays in the United Kingdom‘s integration into Horizon Europe. Delays lead to impeding research collaboration within Europe. However, the European University Association (EUA) expresses confidence in the constructive nature of the ongoing negotiations. Moreover, the mutual commitment from both sides secure the UK’s full association with Horizon Europe.
EUA emphasizes the need for clarity for researchers across Europe to move forward with collaborative research efforts, particularly in addressing global challenges. Horizon Europe boasts a budget of €95.5 billion allocated for the period from 2021 to 2027. Designed to foster collaboration and strengthen research while tackling pressing global issues.
Christian Ehler, one of the European Parliament’s rapporteurs for Horizon Europe, urged EU Commission not to entertain the UK’s demands for renegotiation. During a session of the Industry, Research, and Energy Committee, Ehler points out that the UK’s request for renegotiation pertaining to financial conditions that had already been settled in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
In february, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen announced at a press conference, her willingness to commence negotiations with the UK. These negotiations concerns UK’s participation in Horizon Europe. The TCA has some provisions for the UK’s participation in the program as a third-party nation, irrespective of its formal departure from the EU’s legislative framework in 2020.
