Brexit extension deemed unlikely to disturb Horizon Europe

The UK remaining a member of the EU throughout the final negotiations on Horizon Europe should not have much effect on the design of the programme, research figures have said.

National leaders in the European Council decided on 10 April that the UK can remain in the EU until 31 October—rather than exiting on 12 April as previously planned—provided that it holds elections for the European Parliament in May. This would give the UK the full rights and obligations of an EU member state, including voting rights in the Council and Parliament.

The UK will therefore be able to provide input on important aspects of the design of Horizon Europe, the research funding programme running from 2021-27, including its budget and the rules of association for non-EU member states such as Switzerland and the UK itself if it eventually leaves. But indications are that the country will be unable to exert much influence.