Research programmes between the EU and Switzerland reactivated

Since the beginning of the year, researchers in Switzerland can once again participate in Horizon Europe, Euratom, and Digital Europe. The EU-Switzerland program agreement was officially signed on Monday.

On behalf of the Swiss government, Education Minister Guy Parmelin signed the Switzerland-EU Programme Agreement (Eupa) in Bern on Monday. For the European Union, EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for start-ups, research, and innovation, signed.

Since the beginning of 2025, researchers in Switzerland have been able to reapply for funding from Horizon Europe under transitional arrangements, as Switzerland and the EU agreed on a new framework agreement (Bilaterale III) at the end of 2024. Between 2021 and 2024, Switzerland was excluded from EU funding, and access to research programs was restricted because Switzerland had broken off the treaty negotiations on bilateral relations between the EU and the Swiss Confederation, which had been ongoing since 2014.

Participation in various programmes

Through Switzerland's re-association with Horizon Europe, the country can once again participate in Euratom (European Atomic Energy Community) and the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) retroactively from January 1, 2025, and can lead and coordinate projects. The Euratom program promotes the civilian use of atomic energy, and DEP is responsible for promoting, for example, high-performance computers, cybersecurity, and the use of digital technologies.

Switzerland also has the option to participate in the “EU4Health” program. In the next two years, it is expected to join two more programs: from 2026, Switzerland will participate in the construction of the ITER reactor, and from 2027, it is set to become a member of the EU program Erasmus+ for education, youth, and sport. The latter still requires the necessary funding, which must be confirmed by parliament. Switzerland's project costs are financed by the European Commission. In return, Switzerland transfers a mandatory contribution to the EU.

The EUPA signing was brought forward in time to the Switzerland-EU treaty package but remains part of this package. The agreement will initially be applied provisionally. All agreements and accords still need to be ratified by the EU and Switzerland as a whole.

Furthermore, the agreements with the EU are expected to be the subject of a difficult Swiss popular vote in 2027 or 2028. A rejection would endanger relations with Brussels again.

(olb)