The European Union and Switzerland have signed an agreement on Switzerland’s participation in Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and the Euratom Research & Training (R&T) programme.
“By joining Horizon Europe and key EU programmes, Switzerland and the EU are investing in skills, technology and science, building a more competitive and connected Europe,” said research Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva.
The agreement puts Swiss researchers and organisations on the same footing as those in EU Member States: this means they are able to lead consortia, receive direct EU funding, and access all thematic pillars and instruments of the programmes.
The agreement opens new opportunities for pooling talent, research infrastructures and industrial capabilities across borders, accelerating progress on climate solutions, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, health innovation and energy security. This step strengthens Europe’s position as a global centre for high-impact scientific and technological development, says the Commission.
The agreement was signed today 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, and takes effect retroactively as of 1 January 2025.
It also establishes Switzerland as a member of Fusion for Energy starting in 2026, which will allow Swiss researchers and industry to contribute to ITER, the world’s most significant international fusion energy project. Association to Erasmus+ is planned for 2027. In addition, once the Agreement on Health enters into force, Switzerland will be able to participate in the EU4Health programme.
Following the signature of the remaining agreements in the package, the EU and Switzerland will proceed with ratification of the entire package, including the Agreement on Switzerland’s participation in European Union Programmes, in accordance with their respective procedures.
Euratom Research and Training Programme
