Switzerland Joins EU Research Programs
The European Union and Switzerland have signed an agreement on Switzerland's participation in key EU research initiatives: Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and the Euratom Research & Training (R&T) programme.
This agreement grants Swiss researchers and organizations equal status with those in EU Member States. They can lead consortia, receive direct EU funding, and access all thematic pillars and instruments of these programmes.
Benefits of the Agreement
- Enables collaboration across borders by pooling talent, research infrastructures, and industrial capabilities.
- Accelerates progress on climate solutions, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, health innovation, and energy security.
- Strengthens Europe’s role as a global hub for high-impact scientific and technological developments.
Official Signing and Implementation
The agreement was signed in Bern by Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, and Guy Parmelin, Swiss Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. It takes effect retroactively from 1 January 2025.
Additional Collaborations
The deal also establishes Switzerland as a member of Fusion for Energy starting in 2026. This will enable Swiss researchers and industry to contribute to ITER, the world’s largest international fusion energy project.
Association with Erasmus+ is planned for 2027.
"The agreement places Swiss researchers and organisations on the same footing as those in EU Member States: they may lead consortia, receive direct EU funding, and access all thematic pillars and instruments of the programmes."
Switzerland’s integration into major EU research and innovation programs enhances cooperation and boosts Europe’s scientific leadership worldwide.