During a press conference on Monday 27 February 2023 on the outcome of the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations, President of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen, stated that talks on the UK’s membership of Horizon Europe would begin once the Windsor Framework was implemented.
Mr Zeichner has held a long-standing position on the importance of UK participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and has called repeatedly for the UK to remain an associated member, following Brexit.
Daniel Zeichner said: “The news that the UK will be readmitted into Horizon Europe is of course welcomed.
EU research funding has played a pivotal role in driving UK-led scientific innovation and has been crucial for many research and medical institutions in Cambridge. The loss of access over the last two years has been unforgiveable.
Horizon Europe is not only about money. Just as important is the resource of world-class people and the UK’s departure from the programme has already resulted in Cambridge losing out on top researchers. I hope that the damage of the last two years can quickly be recovered for the sake of scientific innovation in Cambridge, and the rest of the UK.”
The UK had applied to join Horizon Europe as an associated member, however the EU had blocked UK participation due to its position on the Northern Ireland protocol. Horizon Europe has a budget of €95.5bn over six years to 2027.
