By Martin Banks

The EU and UK are set to “deepen” their links – at least in the research field.

This comes after the United Kingdom was told it will be allowed to become an associated member of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

British researchers will be able to participate in what is a flagship EU research and innovation programme.

They will also be able to so on the same terms as researchers from other associated countries and will have access to Horizon Europe funding.

The final step towards this has just been completed.

It came when the EU-UK Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes adopted an agreement on United Kingdom’s association to Horizon Europe and to the Copernicus component of the Space Programme.

Reaction came from the European Commission where a spokesman said the UK’s association to Horizon Europe will “deepen the EU’s relationship with the UK” in research and innovation.

He said it would bring together research communities to “tackle global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and health.”

He said the UK will contribute around €2.43 billion per year on average to the EU budget for its participation in Horizon Europe, and roughly €154 million for participation to Copernicus.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation with a budget of €95.5 billion for 2021-27.

It tackles climate change, helps to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and boosts the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

The programme facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges.

Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Union’s Space programme, looking at our planet and its environment to benefit all European citizens.

It offers information services that draw from satellite Earth Observation and in-situ (non-space) data and makes an essential contribution in reaching our European Green Deal and net-zero objectives.