In order to finalise UK involvement in EU scientific and research programmes, the UK Government has started official talks with the EU.
This comes after ongoing delays in the EU’s implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Accord’s agreement (TCA).
On August 16, 2022, the UK Government sent a letter to the European Commission requesting consultations in order to swiftly finalise the UK’s participation in EU Programs (Horizon Europe, Copernicus, Euratom Research and Training, Fusion for Energy) and access to Program Services (Space Surveillance and Tracking).
When the UK and EU decided to participate under the TCA in 2020, it was made clear that it would happen as soon as the appropriate EU legislation was completed.
This schedule was essential so that UK academics and enterprises could participate fully from the start of the corresponding EU Programs.
But more than 18 months have passed since the TCA was reached, and the EU is still refusing to go forward with the UK’s affiliation.
The UK government has spoken with the EU often in an attempt to find a solution to this problem. It is obvious that the EU is not upholding the contract.
Although the UK continues to favour association with these programmes, the delays from the EU are causing unbearable uncertainty for academics and companies in both the UK and EU Member States.
To begin discussions and finalise UK involvement, the Government is acting on this reason. The TCA established this mechanism to settle disputes between the UK and EU.
The Government’s top focus continues to be assisting the UK’s research and development industry through this time and making sure that collaboration continues.
Due to the EU’s continued failure to fulfil its obligations, the UK is simultaneously launching consultations and developing ambitious and audacious plans for domestic alternatives.
On July 20, 2022, the UK government published a document with further information on their plans. The UK Government will have to determine whether to implement these procedures if the delays persist.
The UK and EU should collaborate more than ever to address our common issues, such as net zero, global health, and energy security.
The UK Government welcomes constructive participation during consultations and is ready to cooperate with the European Commission to find a solution to this problem.