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We welcome that the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û government has restated a preference to associate to Horizon Europe. This remains the best option for all parties, including the EU. 

However, the decision to unlock a significant portion of the funding that has been set aside for association is a positive step. It reflects the impact of the two-year delay in ratifying the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û’s participation in the programme and reflects the fact that there have been a number of calls for which the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û has not been eligible.

This should not be seen as an impediment to association. It is a proportionate response which recognises the impact that the ongoing uncertainty has created, and the opportunities that have been lost to Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û researchers.

Alongside the Horizon Europe guarantee, this much-needed boost in investment will help to shore up research budgets that have been hit by the ongoing uncertainty and to retain and attract world-leading research talent.

Again, we reiterate our desire to see the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û’s association to Horizon Europe ratified so that our researchers and universities can play a full role in achieving the shared research ambitions of the Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹û and the EU.