The agreement signed in Bern also includes Switzerland’s participation in the Digital Europe program and the Euratom Research & Training (R&T) initiative, which will put Swiss researchers and organizations on an equal footing with their EU counterparts.
Ekaterina Zakharieva, Minister for Start-ups, Research and Innovation, explained the importance of this agreement: “This signing opens a new chapter in EU-Switzerland relations and deepens our partnership across research, innovation, education and digital transformation.
“By joining Horizon Europe and key EU programs, Switzerland and the EU are investing in skills, technology and science and building a more competitive and connected Europe.”
What is Horizon Europe?
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s central research and innovation funding program from 2021 to 2027, with a budget of €93.5 billion.
The program focuses on tackling global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and public health, while strengthening Europe’s competitiveness on the world stage.
This initiative fosters cross-border collaboration between researchers, public institutions, and businesses and supports the development and dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge and technology.
Horizon Europe will also contribute to economic growth, industrial competitiveness and job creation, while ensuring the effective utilization of research investments within a strengthened European research area.
New opportunities for Swiss research and industry
As part of Horizon Europe, Swiss research institutions can now lead an international research consortium, access direct funding from the EU and participate in all thematic areas of the programme.
This increased access creates opportunities to bring together research talent, infrastructure and industrial capacity across Europe.
This is expected to accelerate progress in climate action, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, health innovation, and energy security.
The agreement will enter into force retroactively on January 1, 2025 and will ensure that Switzerland’s participation in ongoing and future projects is fully recognized and funded.
Energy and health initiatives expand collaboration
Beyond Horizon Europe, Switzerland’s involvement in European research programs will extend to Fusion for Energy starting in 2026.
This will enable Swiss researchers and companies to contribute to ITER, the world’s most ambitious international fusion energy project.
A partnership with Erasmus+ is also planned for 2027, allowing Swiss educational institutions to participate in education and mobility programs across Europe.
Furthermore, once the relevant agreement comes into force, Switzerland will also be able to join the EU4Health program, expanding cooperation in health research and innovation.
Strengthening relations between the EU and Switzerland
The participation agreement is part of a broader package aimed at modernizing and deepening relations between Switzerland and the European Union.
The package, to be negotiated from March to December 2024, aims to strengthen cooperation in research, education, innovation and other strategic areas.
Once the remaining agreements are signed and ratified, Switzerland’s involvement in EU programs will be fully formalized, ensuring long-term cooperation and strengthening Europe’s research ecosystem.
Broadening the horizons of Swiss research
Switzerland’s participation in Horizon Europe is expected to bring significant benefits to both the Swiss and European research communities.
Full participation in EU-funded projects gives Swiss researchers and companies access to international networks, funding opportunities and technological infrastructure.
This strengthened collaboration will accelerate innovation in key areas such as renewable energy, digital technologies, healthcare and advanced manufacturing, further strengthening Europe’s position as a global leader in research and innovation.
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