George Freeman’s tweet after the reception at the UK Mission to the EU

On 8 June British science minister George Freeman organised a visit to Brussels to unlock the deadlock on the association to Horizon Europe, after 18 months of uncertainty.

He addressed the European R&I community at the UK Residence in Brussels, where he gave a passionate speech about the importance of science collaboration.

He stated that his visit to Brussels was meant to be a signal that the UK is still fully committed to become associated to Horizon Europe and, if this would not be possible, would have to move.

He repeated during the reception at the UK Mission in Brussels that “strong science is increasingly key to our economic & geopolitical world security” and asked the EU “not to weaponise science for politics”. He called on the assembled European R&I community to support the UK’s association to Horizon Europe in this crucial phase.

If association would not be possible in the coming months, the UK would have to implement its Plan B in the autumn. Freeman said contingency plans would comprise three pillars: world-class fellowships; stronger industry and innovation focus; and global research collaborations.

Many media reported about this visit, among others:

ScienceIBusiness’s article: UK will pull bid to take part in Horizon Europe if stalemate persists after the summer

Time Higher Education’s report: EU leaders ‘snub’ Freeman’s dash to Brussels

Express: EU news: Minister skewers bloc’s project as UK set to FINALLY leave