Leaders of 22 European higher education bodies, including University of Malta rector Alfred Vella, have called for the speeding up of Brexit negotiations so that talks can begin over the future of European research, collaboration, and student mobility.

In a signed statement, the representative organisations of universities and national rectors’ conferences from across Europe asked for clarification on arrangements for the Horizon 2020 European research and innovation programme and the Erasmusplus exchange programme after March 2019 when the UK is due to leave the EU.

On October 20, the European Council Summit concluded that not enough progress had been made to start the second phase of Brexit negotiations when research and higher education are expected to start.

Prof. Janet Beer, president of Universities UK and vice-chancellor of Liverpool University, said the lack of clarity is causing problems for universities: “We are now entering the period in which universities need to be finalising their research, collaboration and student exchange programmes for 2019. There is an urgent need for clarity on the UK’s participation in Horizon 2020 beyond Brexit. This scheme enhances the impact of our research by providing access to vital networks, talent and funding. Without clarity, the risk is that important European research programmes could stall.

“The arrival on campuses across Europe of students hoping to study abroad in 2019 increases the need to know whether the UK will or will not be able to continue to take part in Erasmusplus. Participation in outward mobility schemes has major benefits for students, universities and employers.”​

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