The UK has become an associated country to the EU’s R&I Framework Programme Horizon Europe. The UK will therefore have the same rights (and obligations) as other countries associated with the Programme.

What is an Associate Member of Horizon Europe?

Association to Horizon Europe is the closest form of cooperation with non-EU countries, which allows entities of associated countries to participate in programme actions on equal terms with entities of EU countries.

Here is a full list of Associate Members of Horizon Europe.

Are UK Organisations now eligible for all Horizon Europe Grant Funding?

The UK is associating to the full Horizon Europe programme with the only exception of the loan / equity element of the EIC Fund (which is the loan/equity instrument of the EIC, see below). The scope of association includes the European Research Council (ERC), the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the six ‘Global Challenges’ clusters and Missions, the partnerships, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, etc. 

UK entities are not eligible to participate in the loan / equity part of the EIC Fund part of the EIC Accelerator since the UK decided not to take part in financial instruments of the EU. This means UK entities can apply for grants under the EIC Accelerator, but they will not be eligible for loans or equity. They can also participate on an equal footing with entities from EU Member States and other associated countries in the EIC’s Pathfinder component. 

The UK is also associated to the Euratom Research and Training Programme, and whilst not a full member, will “participate closely” on fusion-related activities carried out by the European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy (F4E) under the ITER Agreement, and the Broader Approach Agreement. 

What can UK organisations expect from Horizon Europe?

Now that the Associated Country status is in force, UK participants will have the same rights as EU participants, with the very limited aforementioned exceptions. UK entities are:

• eligible for funding at the same rates and under the same conditions
• able to lead project consortia
• count towards the minimum number of countries in calls for transnational projects

How can my organisation access Horizon Europe Grant Funding?

SME’s, Corporates, Universities, Research Organisations, Public Bodies, NGOs, Charities, Local / Regional Governments – all of these organisations can now:

• build consortiums to apply for grant funding under Horizon Europe
• search for Horizon Europe grant funding opportunities and submit applications
• lead consortiums of cross-border partnerships in Horizon Europe-funded projects
• access €billions of R&D grant funding to solve pressing global challenges

If you are not sure where to start, or you have projects in mind, we can help. We have long-standing experience with EU grant funding – from building consortiums to writing winning applications. Get in touch.