As of 1 January 2024, the United Kingdom has solidified its position as an associated country to Horizon Europe, marking a significant milestone in fostering collaborative research and innovation efforts with the European Union. This move grants UK researchers the opportunity to actively participate in the Horizon Europe program, alongside their counterparts from other associated countries, and gain access to crucial funding aimed at addressing pressing global challenges.
The EU-UK Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes recently finalized the political agreement on the United Kingdom’s association to both Horizon Europe and the Copernicus component of the Space Programme, emphasizing a shared commitment to advancing research and innovation initiatives for the mutual benefit of both parties.
The UK’s participation in Horizon Europe strengthens the EU-UK relationship in the field of research and innovation, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between research communities. This collaboration is poised to address critical global issues such as climate change, digital transformation, and public health, underlining the significance of cross-border partnerships in addressing these pressing challenges.
Key to this association is the adoption of the association Protocol by the Committee, an integral part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. As part of this arrangement, the UK is set to contribute an average of €2.43 billion per year to the EU budget for its involvement in Horizon Europe, and approximately €154 million for its participation in Copernicus, signaling a substantial commitment to advancing shared research and innovation objectives.
Background
Horizon Europe stands as the European Union’s prominent funding program for research and innovation, spanning the years 2021-2027 with a substantial budget of €95.5 billion. This program is instrumental in addressing climate change, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and bolstering the EU’s global competitiveness and growth. Moreover, Horizon Europe serves as a catalyst for collaboration, amplifying the impact of research and innovation in driving and implementing EU policies while simultaneously tackling global challenges.
Complementing this is Copernicus, the Earth observation component of the EU’s Space program, which plays a pivotal role in monitoring and understanding our planet and its environment. By leveraging satellite Earth Observation and in-situ data, Copernicus is pivotal in delivering essential information services that align with the objectives outlined in the European Green Deal and net-zero initiatives.
This momentous association between the United Kingdom and Horizon Europe sets the stage for a robust collaborative partnership in research and innovation, demonstrating a resolute commitment to advancing shared objectives and addressing complex global challenges in a united fashion.
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