Due to the conclusion of negotiations between Switzerland and the EU, Swiss researchers are eligible to participate in Horizon Europe again.
Eureka! The Swiss government and the EU have finally found a conclusion to negotiating new agreements and updating existing ones in relation to the single market, free movement of people and more. Due to this conclusion, Swiss researchers and innovators can fully participate in Horizon Europe again from 1 January 2025 on; this also applies to the Digital Europe Programme and Euratom. Full participation includes taking part in consortium projects as full partner or as coordinator but also eligibility to mono-beneficiary instruments. The only reservation are critical technology areas, such as quantum or space, where the EU requires further discussions. In the Digital Europe Programme, there are also possible exclusions for Switzerland in the sector of semiconductors and cybersecurity.
The basis for this positive step is a transitional arrangement with the purpose to bridge the gap until a full association agreement for these programmes is signed and enters into force. The transitional agreement also enables the Swiss participation in ITER from 2026. Erasmus+ participation on the other hand is only foreseen for 2027. For more details on the process and the conditions, please have a look at www.horizon-europe.ch
In the next months, the European Commission and the Swiss government will translate the new agreements and move them through the political process with the goal of signing the association agreement for programme participation as soon as possible. After that point, grant agreements will officially be able to be concluded. Should the timing end up not working out, the Swiss government has a guarantee in place to fund the participation of Swiss partners in consortia projects that have an EU grant agreement.
Lastly, the Swiss parliament and the Swiss people have to accept the new set of agreements to conclude the ratification. A referendum (popular vote) is expected for 2027 or 2028.