The EU and the UK are strengthening cooperation through a new strategic partnership. Following the May Summit, we have agreed to move swiftly on UK association to Erasmus+ from 2027 and to start negotiations for the UK's participation in the EU internal electricity market.

A new digital border management system – the Entry/Exit System – is now in force to make travelling to Europe easier and more efficient. It will enhance the security of the EU’s borders, which will also benefit our partners, including the UK.

On 11 December, the EU adopted the main Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026-2027, with €14 billion available to researchers, scientists and businesses across the EU and in its associated countries, including the UK.

On 9 December, the European Research Council (ERC) awarded its 2025 Consolidator Grants to 65 UK-based researchers, making the UK the top beneficiary of this latest round of grants with over €130 million benefitting researchers based in the country. Last year, the UK came third with 38 researchers receiving an ERC Consolidator Grant.