The UK’s participation in Horizon Europe: caught in a game of high politics?

The briefing identifies the future for the UK’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s Ninth Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021- 2027) after Brexit. Dr Highman examines whether the UK wants, can afford, or will be even allowed to fully participate in the programme.

He points out that this is the first time the EU framework programme will include ‘Europe’ in its name, flagging a commitment to the wellbeing of its members and the European project – one the UK has chosen to leave. The UK’s participation in Horizon Europe is likely to be dependent on the continuing Brexit negotiations and the respective moods in Brussels and London.

Dr Highman looks at why the language in Westminster is not encouraging, and questions Theresa May’s assumption that the UK will have a say in the future direction of the EU framework programmes.

According to this report, the UK can still leverage a good deal for Horizon Europe by making a financial contribution attractive to the EU27. Read this report to find out more about Horizon Europe and the obstacles the UK may potentially face.