Switzerland’s association to EU programmes for education, research and innovation: a major step forward

Following successful material conclusion of negotiations on future relations between Switzerland and the EU at the end of 2024, the two sides initialled the EU Programmes Agreement in Brussels on 2 April 2025. A week later, on 9 April, the Federal Council gave its approval of the EUPA and authorised Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to sign it.

The EUPA forms the legal basis for Switzerland's participation in EU programmes. It currently covers participation in the Horizon Europe programme, the Euratom programme, the ITER research infrastructure and the Digital Europe Programme (referred to collectively as the Horizon package 2021–2027) as well as in the Erasmus+ and EU4Health programmes. The EUPA also paves the way for potential future participation in other EU programmes since, with each new programme generation, Switzerland will be free to decide which of the programmes open to third countries it wishes to join. The next steps to be taken in 2025 are as follows: initialling of the remaining components of the overall Switzerland-EU package in Bern in May; launching of the consultation phase by the Federal Council before the summer; and signature of the EUPA by Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, most likely in November. 

The EUPA allows Switzerland to forge ahead while the remaining components of the overall Switzerland-EU package are still pending. In essence, the EUPA will provisionally enable Swiss association to Horizon Europe, the Euratom programme and the Digital Europe Programme to be retroactively applied from 1 January 2025. This means, firstly, that Swiss stakeholders will once again be able to participate as equal project partners in European consortia and may also coordinate projects. Secondly, they will once again be eligible to apply for prestigious individual grants from the European Research Council and the European Innovation Council, and thus secure funding if successful. 

This is a major step forward for education, research and innovation (ERI) stakeholders in Switzerland. The EU's ERI funding programmes are among the most highly regarded in the world, offering a wide range of opportunities for Swiss researchers, innovators and education institutions. Switzerland has a long tradition of participation in these programmes, underscoring its close ties and commitment to the European research and innovation landscape. The successful outcome of the negotiations reflects the spirit of this fruitful cooperation. It ensures that Swiss stakeholders will enjoy continued access to coveted EU funding programmes. At the same time, it allows Switzerland to contribute to European education, research and innovation. 

The EUPA is more than just a formal agreement – it is a key building block in the close and successful partnership between Switzerland and the EU. In a time of geopolitical upheavals, secure international cooperation based on shared values is more important than ever. The upcoming association will take this partnership to the next level. Such cooperation not only boosts the competitiveness and appeal of Switzerland and Europe, it also helps to advance global knowledge sharing and scientific progress. It is a true win-win situation for both sides!