EU and the UK
date: 26/07/2019
President Juncker-UK Prime Minister Johnson phone call
President Jean-Claude Juncker and Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke on the phone on Thursday afternoon. President Juncker congratulated Prime Minister Johnson on his appointment and reaffirmed his commitment to working together in the best possible way.
President Juncker listened to what Prime Minister Johnson had to say, reiterating the EU’s position that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best and only agreement possible – in line with the European Council guidelines. President Juncker also underlined that the Commission remains at the disposal of the United Kingdom to add language to the Political Declaration in line with what the 27 EU leaders recalled when they met in April earlier this year, and to analyse any ideas put forward by the United Kingdom, providing they are compatible with the Withdrawal Agreement. The two exchanged mobile phone numbers and agreed to remain in touch. President Juncker reiterated that the Commission remains available over the coming weeks should the United Kingdom wish to hold talks and clarify its position in more detail.
UK based researchers top the latest round of ERC funding
Professor Julia Simner is among nine other UK based researchers who will receive top up funding from the European Research Council (ERC) to explore the commercial and societal potential of their research. She is developing a way to test synaesthesia - a neurological condition where the brain mixes shapes, taste and colour - in children. The UK is the country that since the launch of the ERC in 2007 has received the highest number of core grants (starting, consolidated and advanced) - 1,895 totalling €3.4bn (slightly over £3bn).
Latest news on the Article 50 negotiations can be found here