HORIZON 2020: UK FULL ACCESS WITH COMMISSION FUNDING CONFIRMED POST-BREXIT
The Brexit Phase 1 negotiations concluded in December 2017 include the confirmation that ‘Following withdrawal from the Union, the UK will continue to participate in the Union programmes financed by the MFF 2014-2020 until their closure … Accordingly, the eligibility to apply to participate in Union programmes and Union funding for UK participants and projects will be unaffected by the UK’s withdrawal from the Union for the entire lifetime of such projects.’
This means that UK participants can continue to apply for Horizon 2020 funding for the full duration of the programme, i.e., even in 2019 and 2020 after Brexit. Furthermore, if successful, UK participants will receive European Commission for the full duration of their projects. Similarly, UK participants in existing projects are guaranteed uninterrupted EC funding for the full duration of their projects. Even if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the UK Government's underwrite guarentee updated in July 2018 will cover UK participation in Horizon 2020 proposals and projects until the end of 2020.
Imperial PIs are therefore strongly encouraged to apply for Horizon 2020 funding and to share details of this agreement between the UK and the Union with their European colleagues.
If you have any queries, please contact the RO EU Team.