Short answer
UK companies can apply for and receive Horizon Europe grants on the same terms as EU organisations: the UK has been associated with the programme since 1 January 2024. Grants are paid in stages: a pre-financing advance shortly after the grant starts, interim payments after each reporting period, and a final payment at the end. In a consortium, payments go to the coordinator, who passes them on, so cash gaps can open between stages.
Key facts
- UK associated with Horizon Europe since 1 January 2024
- Pre-financing: due within 30 days of the grant agreement taking effect, or 10 days before the start date, whichever is later
- 5–8% of the EU contribution is retained in a mutual insurance mechanism
- Interim payments: within 90 days of the interim report
- Final payment: within 90 days of the final report
How UK companies take part
Since association, UK businesses, universities and research organisations apply to Horizon Europe calls as full participants, either alone or, more often, in consortia with partners across Europe. The UK funds its participation, so UK applicants receive grants directly from the programme.
How Horizon Europe pays
| Stage | When | What you receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-financing | Within 30 days of the grant starting (or 10 days before the action starts) | An advance, often around one reporting period's funding, less the insurance retention |
| Interim payments | Within 90 days of each interim report | Reimbursement of eligible costs reported, up to a cap (often 90% of the EU contribution) |
| Final payment | Within 90 days of the final report | The balance, plus any released retention |
The exact amounts are set in your grant agreement's data sheet.
Where the cash gaps fall
- Between pre-financing and the first interim payment: if spend runs ahead of the advance.
- Up to 90 days after each report: while the Commission processes it.
- Through the coordinator: consortium members are paid by the coordinator under the consortium agreement, which can add time.
- At the end: up to 10% of the contribution can be held until the final payment.
Funding the gaps
Options include cash reserves, equity, and finance secured on the awarded grant. Lenders will want to see the signed grant agreement, the payment schedule and, for consortium members, the consortium agreement.
Related: Grants Advance →
Related questions
Can a UK company coordinate a Horizon Europe consortium?
Yes. Since association, UK organisations can lead consortia.
Is Horizon Europe funding paid in euros?
Yes. Exchange-rate movements affect the sterling value of each payment.