New Horizon Europe rules could ‘weaken collaboration with UK’

Leading universities in Germany and the UK have warned that proposed European Union preference rules in the bloc’s next research framework could hurt collaboration in key areas.

In a statement, the Russell Group and German U15 called on EU leaders to ensure Horizon Europe remains open to all “trusted partners”, allowing UK researchers to continue to “strengthen Europe’s research excellence” 10 years after the Brexit vote. 

The EU is considering stronger European “preference rules” for its next research framework programme, which could prioritise projects involving organisations, facilities and activities based in EU member states in strategic areas, with the aim of strengthening Europe’s economic security and strategic autonomy.

“Trusted associated countries such as the UK and Switzerland should have full access to Horizon calls, retain their current observer role in the governance of the collaborative Pillar II, and not lose out from proposals for ‘EU preference’ in the programme,” the two university groups said. 

“From space and satellites to batteries and biotech, bringing universities and businesses from the EU and associated countries together can make Europe more innovative, competitive and resilient.”

The UK and Switzerland are in the process of associating with the next framework, which is scheduled to run from 2028 to 2034 and has a proposed budget of €175 billion (£152 billion), nearly double the amount allocated to the current framework.

They are associated countries in the current Horizon Europe framework, having both rejoined in recent years after spells on the sidelines.

The statement points out that although UK researchers gained access to the “vast majority” of funding opportunities in the current framework, they were “excluded from most quantum calls in 2024 and most space calls in 2026-27”.

In a joint article published in German newspaper Die Zeit, Russell Group chair Chris Day and Michael Hoch, chair of the German U15, said Europe should put associated countries on “an equal footing”. 

“Almost exactly ten years to the day, the United Kingdom voted in favour of Brexit. Nevertheless, the EU and the UK remain close partners, bound by shared values, interests and responsibilities. Their security and prosperity remain closely intertwined. This is particularly evident in the fields of science and innovation,” they write. 

“Framework Programme 10 must also preserve what distinguishes European research cooperation: open competition, cross-border collaboration and a research-oriented second programme pillar. This includes the close involvement of key partners.”

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com