ASD Calls for Swift Implementation of EU-UK Association Agreement on Horizon Europe, incl. Clean Aviation and SESAR

AeroSpace and Defence Industries Europe -
  • Despite agreement between the EU and the UK on future research cooperation, signature and implementation are still pending due to political reasons
  • Swift implementation of the EU-UK association agreement is crucial since it is of common interest for the EU and UK and their industries to continue research cooperation
  • The current stalemate is also blocking cooperation in the Clean Aviation Partnership and SESAR Joint Undertaking, therefore hampering efforts towards decarbonisation of aviation

Brussels, February 16, 2022 – The European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) agreed already in December 2020 to continue the UK’s participation in the EU’s research programme Horizon Europe. However, the EU has linked its final approval of the UK’s association status to the outcome of negotiations on other issues related to the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The ongoing gridlock harms industry both in the EU and the UK as research is an indispensable factor to secure their long-term competitiveness. Naturally, this also concerns the aviation industry, in particular the Clean Aviation Partnership, the EU’s research and innovation programme involving private and public actors working together to transform aviation towards a sustainable and climate neutral future, and SESAR, the European partnership between private and public sector partners set up to accelerate through research and innovation the delivery of the Digital European Sky.

Jan Pie, Secretary General of the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD), said: “The Clean Aviation Partnership and SESAR Joint Undertaking are key elements to reach the ambitions of the EU Green Deal and implement the European civil aviation sector's own Destination 2050 roadmap towards climate-neutral aviation. Making Horizon Europe, the Clean Aviation Partnership and SESAR simple bargaining chips for mere political reasons has a negative impact on both EU and UK aeronautics industries and runs counter to the EU’s goals to reach climate neutrality. Therefore, ASD calls for a swift signing and implementation of the EU-UK association agreement on Horizon Europe, including the Clean Aviation Partnership and SESAR.”

For more, find the ASD recommendations for the implementation of the Clean Aviation Partnership here, and of the SESAR Partnership here.

About ASD:

Europe ASD is the voice of European Aeronautics, Space, Defence and Security Industries, representing over 3,000 companies from 17 European countries with more than 880,000 direct employees. Headquartered in Brussels, ASD actively supports the competitive development of our industries in Europe and worldwide by advocating common positions and providing technical expertise to public institutions and member companies. The European aerospace, defence and security industries are a key enabler of a sustainable, technologically sovereign and resilient Europe. As high technology and strategic domains, they are global drivers of innovation. For more, visit www.asd-europe.org and follow us on Twitter @ASDEurope.

Press contact: Adrian Schmitz, ASD Communication Director +32 473 13 33 30 adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org