The British Academy welcomes new Post-Brexit interim arrangements between the UK and the European University Institute

In a speech at the British Academy, the Universities Minister, Chris Skidmore, has announced an interim agreement in the event of no deal that will enable UK staff and students to continue to be part of the European University Institute (EUI).

The Minister said: ‘I am pleased to announce that we have concluded an interim arrangement with the EUI, to cover the period from Brexit until the middle of next year [2020], as a transitional measure if we leave the EU without a deal. And now that we have concluded an interim arrangement, I have asked my officials to explore the possibility of a future relationship with the EUI.'

He continued, ‘This announcement today, one which I have been working on for some time, is just one of the many continued demonstrations that I have been able to make of our willingness to continue our partnerships with our European research partners and universities after Brexit.’

In response, Professor Sir David Cannadine, President of the British Academy, said:

‘We wholeheartedly welcome the interim arrangement with the European University Institute – arrangements that will preserve opportunities for scholars, especially early career, and staff from the UK to compete for research positions kitemarked as high quality and internationally excellent. The British Academy has long been making this case, so it is hugely reassuring to see the Government adopt this agreement and we very much hope that comparable arrangements will guarantee UK involvement for the longer-term.’