On 5 July Politico reported that a deal for the association of the UK in Horizon Europe has been finalised. A signature of the deal was expected to take place during the NATO summit in Vilnus on 11-12 July, when UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen were due to meet. The meeting has taken place but with no deal agreed.

The Stick to Science campaign urges the European Commission and the British government to reach an agreement swiftly. Universities, united in Europe, also just renewed their call on political leaders to reach a rapid agreement on UK participation in EU research programmes.

Any further delay is damaging pan-European research collaboration and weakens Europe in the global scientific competition.

Swift action is required by politicians to unlock the UK and the Swiss situation.