Negotiations are progressing towards the UK's return to the EU's Horizon Europe science research programme as an associate member. After three months of talks, diplomatic sources indicate
that an agreement is close, with negotiations ongoing over the weekend.
The UK was excluded from Horizon in 2020 due to disagreements regarding the Northern Ireland protocol in the Brexit withdrawal agreement. However, the door to associate membership was reopened with the Windsor framework in March. The European Commission and the UK are now finalizing the terms of re-entry, particularly focusing on the cost of participation.
The UK has been seeking discounts on its contribution to the overall fund, and talks have recently faced some setbacks. The agreement to rejoin Horizon Europe is seen as a positive development for scientists in the UK and across Europe, as it facilitates international collaboration, talent recruitment, and scientific advancement.