Horizon Europe

(asked on 20th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in the negotiations regarding future participation by the UK in the Horizon Europe research programme; and what preparations are being made to address any shortfall in UK research capacity should the UK cease to participate in Horizon Europe.


Answered by
Lord Callanan Portrait
Lord Callanan
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
This question was answered on 2nd June 2020

The Government is committed to ensuring the UK becomes a global science superpower and continues to collaborate with Europe on scientific research. The UK is ready to consider a relationship in line with non-EU Member State participation in Horizon Europe, provided that this represents value for money and is in the UK’s interest. Any agreements relating to Union programmes should contain fair terms for UK participation. This should include fair treatment of participants, a fair and appropriate financial contribution, provisions allowing for sound financial management by both parties, and appropriate governance and consultation.

The shape and content of EU Programmes post-2020, including Horizon Europe, are currently being negotiated in the EU Institutions and have not yet been finalised. These EU Programmes must be adopted by the EU before arrangements for potential UK participation could be finalised.

I refer the Noble Lord to a Written Ministerial Statement made by my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 19 May (HCWS245), which set out that discussions covered all workstreams including: general terms for UK participation in programmes, including provisions for financial contribution.

We are also considering a range of alternative schemes to support international research and innovation collaboration in tandem with Horizon Europe negotiations. These include options to address immediate needs and work through to any future funding scenario.

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